
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. % 

Chap. .: pS-i.a-^ (i I I 

$ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. § 



OK, 

DAGOX STOOPS TO SABAOTH 



Ji liblio-llDmantir S^ipghlg, 



IN FIVE ACTS, WITH A PRELUDE. 



" And the lords of the Pliilistim gathered themselves together 
for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice; 
for they said, ' Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into 
our hand.'" — Judges xvi. 23. 

"All the contest is now 
'Twixt God and Dagon." 

— Milton's Samson Agonistes. 

"Who is the king of glory? The Lord Sabaoth is the king 
of glory. Selah." — Psalm xxiv. 10. 



BY HEKMAN M. BIEN, 



SAN FRANCISCO: 
COMMERCIAL STEAM PRESSES, 129 SANSOME STREET. 



1860. 



P5 / oc| G 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, 

BY Rev. HERMAN M. BIEN, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Northern 
District of California. 



TO HIS EXCELLENCY 

Oov. J. a. DOWNEY, 

AND 

THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA, 

As an htimble testimonial of the high esteem and admiration 

for the patriotic virtues of the former and the nnri- 

■valed development and progreis of the latter, 

This unworthy production — a Pacific Pioneer 
Tragedy — entitled 

"samson and delilah," 

is dedicated most respectfully 

BY THE AUTHOR. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 

An Angel. 

MEN. 

Plias, Prince of the Philistim. 

BoLON, D agon's High Priest. 

Samson, Israel's Giant Judge. 

Manoah, his Father. 

Three PhiUstim Messengers. 

Chief of the PhiUstim Warriors. 

Two Hebrew Shepherds. 

Chorus of PhiUstim Priests and Warriors. 

People, 

women. 
Delilah, Sister of Plias. 
Namilah, Daughter of Bolon. 
Abigail, Samson's Mother. 
Attendants. 



Prelude : The Anuimciation. 

Act I. A Betrothal. 

Act II. Plot of the Traitors. 

Act hi. Delilah beguiles and Dagon prevails. 

Act IV. The Giant Judge eyeless and in bondage. 

Act V. Samson's Revenge and Sabaoth's Triumph. 

Final Tableau : The FaU of Dagon' s Temple. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS 



COSTUMES. 

Angel. — Auburn traveling garb, underneath a white gar- 
ment, reaching down to the linees for transformation. First, 
with turban ; after transformation without head-dress. Long 
waving locks. In the commencement with a staff — at the traaa- 
formation with a palm branch in the hand. 

Plias. — Crown. Pancer. Gold embroidered purple cloak, 
with wide folds, held together at the neck by some golden em- 
blem of sovereignty. 

BoLOX. — Sea-green, long Priest's robe, gold embroidered, or- 
namented with silver and golden figures of fishes and sea mon- 
sters. Over the head down to the shoulders hangs a white 
toga, over which is set a kind of crown, repi-esenting a shark's 
jaw, resembling that of Dagon . 

Samson. — A lion's skin thrown over the shoulder; under- 
neath, a short, light-blue, silver embroidered garb. Turban. 
Wig with seven loi.g locks. Curled beard. Short side- weapon. 
From Fourth Act, prison robe, fleshings. 

Manoah. — Turban. Dark and long garment, with side pieces 
falling down. Bearing a staff. 

Delilah. — Rose robe, with dark-green Tunic. Long, gold-em- 
broidered veil, flowing in two parts down her shoulders, the 
hair extending under the head ornament and charmingly slided 
behind the ears. 

Namilah. — White robe with gold-embroidered Tunic. A 
long veil turned sideways. Light flower wreath in the curled 
hair. From the Fourth Act, dark boy's dress, the hair bound 
up with a blue ribbon. 

Abigail. — White turban lowered deep on the fiice. Long dark 
garment. 

Shepherds. — Long black cloaks, with black caps. 

Messenger and Chorus of Warriors. — Helmets and shields. 

Chorus of Priests. — Oriental robes, perspicuous and brilliant, 
all with togas and fish figures — wearing fleshings and sandals. 

Chorus of Philistim Women.— Long garments of brilliant 
colors, with turban and veil. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 



SCENERY. 

Pkelude — Foot of a mountain, with a perspicuous rock on 
the stage, Palm trees and chaotic vegetation. 

First Act. — Court before Dagon's Temple. 

Second Act. — First and Third Scenes, Orientally adorned 
Saloon. Second Scene, Scenery of the First Act. 

Thibd Act.— First Scene, Scenery of the First Act. Second 
Scene, Garden decorated with Oriental richness and splendor. 
On the right in foreground a widely opened myrtle veranda. 
Third Scene, Gorgeous sleeping apartment in Oriental style. 
An ottoman and an escutcheon at the right side. Fourth Scene, 
Hall for private worship of the Idolaters. Dagon's statue stands 
in the background ; before him stands a small altar. 

Fourth Act. — Dark walled prison— a heavy block with chains 
at the side. 

Fifth Act. — First Scene, Court before the Dagon's Temple. 
Second Scene, The open Dagon's Temple. Dagon stands — fire 
glowing in the back ground. It is a figure with a misshaped 
face of a man — long chin, beard and large cross-eyes. On the 
head, like a crown, he wears an opened shark's jaw — fins instead 
of hands, which look as if stretched forth. Steps leading to the 
Idol. On the right and left of the steps stand pillars, the parts 
of which are slightly fastened — connected by cornices with 
the door . pillars. The whole must be so arranged that it easily 
falls. The back wall is double and falls down at the destruc- 
tion of the Temple, then representing the ruins of the tottered 
edifice. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 



PRELUDE. 

THE ANNUNCIATION. 

[Judges xiii. 1-23. Josephus, Antiq. of the Jews, Book V., 
Chap, viii.] 

SCENE THE FIRST. 

[Previous to the rise of the curtain^ sacred music, be- 
tween which are heard the bells of flocks grazing 
in the background. The scene represents a mountain- 
ous landscape, a group of rocks extending to the centre 
of the stage. Angel is discovered in the background^ 
advances, and sings :"] 

Sacred hymns I'll chant to Thee, 

Thine eternal love and power 
Mighty worlds reveal to me, 

Nor does less this violet flower. 
[kneeling'] List, oh, list unto my word, 
Holy, holy, holy Lord! 

[Rises, and advances still more to the front of the stage."] 

Before the highest throne, where bands of angels ' 
Pay homage and partake of sacred blessings. 
There reigns forever in glory unexpressed 
A vernal season of unrelenting peace. 
But, bountiful Creator, Oh, accept. 
No less from hence, my Hail ! my Hallelujah ! 
For, Thou hast also formed this fragrant globe, 
Capable of peace and happiness and glory; 



10 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

That it appears to me most wonderful, 

A photogeny, on clay, of my bright home. 

Delightful must it be, this life below, 

Where thou, Sun, thou footstool of thy Maker, 

Break'st forth from thy auroral gates diminished, 

This landscape bathing with tliy golden gleams, 

While thousandfold thy radiant brilliancy 

Is mirrored in each drop of morning dew. 

It must be beautiful, this world of mortals. 

Our human equals, who compare with us 

In all, except their garments, grave-destined. 

And felt I not embarrassed and constrained 

To wear this body, as the decoration 

For messengers of Heaven, dispatched to man, 

I would not care, were I allowed to dwell 

Forever with the children of hope and love. 

But hark ! I hear them slowly now approach. 

For sake of their domestic peace descended, 

I must repeatedly proclaim to them 

That message, which comprises all their wishes. 

Though I, to whom the future is revealed, 

I spend a tear of mj-- immortal nature 

For him whose coming I shall prophesy, 

His high commission Heaven hath thus ordained: 

" To live a life of errors, passions, trials, 

And die a death heroically sublime, 

That he proclaim: Triumph for Sabaoth!" 

[Enter Manoah and Abigail.] 



There stands the holy man ; and now I hope 
That thou wilt silence for all future days 
Thy foolish jealousy. Whilst a girl. 
Always was I called a lotus bloom. 
For living blameless, pure, and virtuous, 
As it behooveth all true Israel's daughters. 
Now, nearly old, reproachless and unblemished, 
I will not bear it, that thou dar'st to doubt 
My constancy, the pledge of youthful love. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 11 

MANOAH. 

If aught I wronged thee, pardon it, Abigail. 
But how may I beUeve those things so strange, 
"Which thou relatest ? Yet art thou fair, wife ! 
And beauty kindleth fear and — 

ABIGAIL. 

Peace I for lo, 
The holy man, who came to me, ere this 
Waiteth smilingly : he would be spoken to. 

MANOAH. 

Art thou the stranger, who within these days 
Hath spoken te this woman, and of things 
Which shall hereafter come to pass ? 

ANGEL. 

I am. 

ABIGAIL. 

'Tis he. 

MANOAH. 

Pray let me also hear thy words. 
Which heretofore thou hast proclaimed to her, 
That I may learn the mission of that son. 

ANGEL. 

Be't even thus. — As I advised the woman 
So will it be fulfilled ; but let her beware, 
That she do not partake of unclean things. 
Nor let her taste of wine nor drink that's strong. 
Por lo, the child shall be a Nazarite I 
No razor e'er must come upon his liead. 
And he it is who shall begin delivering 
The Israelites from the Philistine hands, 
Into whose servitude they are consigned 
Long since, for their committing godless deeds. 

MANOAH. 

Let me beseech thee, be detained, and grant 
That I prepare refreshments for my guest. 



12 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 



Though ye detain me, I accept of naught. 
But will ye bring it as a sacrifice 
Before the Lord, prepare a holocaust. 

MANOAH. 

Abigail, go ; and cause that yonder shepherds 
Forthwith prepare an offering. 

[Exit Abigail.] 
thou, proclaiming things miraculous, 
For which fulfilment oft I have besought 
Most fervently my God, so that my name 
May not be blotted out in Israel, 
Permit that I may ask of thee a boon. 
Tell me thy name, that I may duly praise thee, 
Whence come to pass those promised joyful tidings. 

ANGEL. 

All praise to Him alone who sends me hither. 
[Re-enter Abigail, ivith tivo shepherds^ who bring the 
covered sacrifice, and place it on the rock.^ 

ABIGAIL. 

As thou desirdest, I've done ; yon rock may serve 

As altar, where our gift is sacrificed. 

Thou, stranger, surely art a priest, for asking 

Of us to sacrifice ; come, then, and do 

According to our law — for all is ready — 

While we kneel down devoutly here and pray. 

[Manoah, Abigail, and the shepherds kneel; (white 
fire ; ) the Angel throws off his disguise, blesses them, 
and ascends tJie rock ; he touches the sacrifice with 
a palm-branch that he holds in his hands ; flames 
(red) break forth and illumine tlie tableau^ during 
which the curtain falls.'] 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 13 



A BETROTHAL. 

Judges xiv. 1 — 14. 



SCENE THE FIRST. 

[Manoah and Abigail pensive lefore the pillars 
of Dagon's Temple. Enter Samson, with some 
antiqtie urn.] 

SAMSON. 

Shalam Alichum, venerable parents I 

ABIGAIL. 

Alichum Shalam, dear son ! 

MANOAH. 

0, Lord, 
Thy peace be granted to our erring child I 

SAMSON. 

Behold what I obtained by Heaven's grace, 

Since we parted where yon roads divide. 

Fatigued and famished from a weary voyage. 

You vowed religiously not to partake 

Of aught which Israel's law forbids. On honey 

May you be refreshed. By chance I found it 

"Within a lion's decomposed remains. 

A hive of bees choose strangely there to settle, 

Against that insect's natural inclination. 

ABIGAIL. 

Thanks, son, for thy affection dutiful. 

Which sweetlj", honey-hke, refreshed my heart ; 

Yet, had' St thou fought and conquered first the lion — 

SAMSON. 

[^5i(Ze.] Exactly as it happened lately, though 
The deed I owned not, that I vainly boast 
Before my tribe, but held my peace discreet. 



14 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 



If thou hadst risked thy life to win the prize, 
It could ne'er compare with tlie sacrifice 
Which we shall bring to gratify thy wishes. 

MANOAH. 

Thus far parental fondness leads astray, 
That we stand now before the Gentiles' temple, 
And are about demanding of a heathen 
A wife for our only beloved sou. 

SAMSON. 

I pray ye, silence ! By divine impulsion, 
I feel thus prompted to select my wife. 

MANOAH. 

My son, my child 1 our God hath chosen thee 
To save and to redeem our fettered nation. 



Yet I believe, and do confess, it is 
Not brutal force for which the Lord our God 
Ordained this noble calling unto me. 
May I not peaceably unite two nations 
Who previously have shed their blood in streams? 
May I not raise the banner of our faith 
Upon this land of blind idolaters ? 
'^jff jGod's cause is peace ! I'll teach that to the world, 

f ^''^' "With all the inspiration of my heart. 

>>*^ I thus have argued, when you sent me hither 

To find occasion to infest our foes ; 
And while their lines I sought for first attack, 
I conquered. Chance — if such a thing as chance 
Exists — nay, Providence divine, I trust, 
Brought me in contact with the heathen priest ; 
And then, with o'erpowering arguments, 
Supported by the eloquence that's given 
Involuntarily by good cause, I have 
Inspired with such esteem and admiration 
The Dagon's high priest, that I surely hope 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 15 

My mission's end will bfe attained in peace, 
By the conversion of a Gentile nation. 
To gain this victory I have selected 
Love for ni}^ counsel and interpreter. 
No longer therefore interfere ; I pray 
To have Namilah for my legal spouse. 



Though hard it be disturbing these sweet dreams, 

To which a noble, youtliful heart inspires, 

Ah, Samson! couldst thou but see with fathers' eyes, 

Hadst thou experienced all the luring vileness, 

All baseness, of their false and selfish hearts, 

The lack of conscience and of holy truth 

Of the uncircuracised thou seekst befriending. — 

Thou wouldst now disdain thy ungodly choice. 

Ne'er will that mutual discord harmonize, 

Which always has constrained us from this nation. 

On whose account the Lord through Moses bade us, 

"Not covenant with them, nor show them mercy; 

Thy daughters give thou not unto their sons, 

Nor shalt thou take unto thy sons their daughters; 

For they will turn thy seed away from God !" 



Our tribe regards thy father as a sage, 
An upright, pious man ; he means it well. 
0, listen, son ! I urge thee with my tears ; 
Return e'en yet, ere thou repent too late. 



I'll render to Heaven and to my rac® 
All service I am aVjle to perform, 
But I will not for this destroy my peace. 
These hands shall never, never be in bondage; 
They shape, united with this head and heart, 
My life's own course, my home, my happiness; 
Nor will I these resign e'en for your story. 
That I, a Nazarite, be not deprived 
Of these my seven locks. 



16 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

ABIGAIL. 

Pray, senseless man, how oft shall I relate 
That I was childless, like a barren tree ? 
I tilled the field as respite from my grief; 
The soil drank many times my bitter tears ; 
Eor it appeared to me a dream so dear, 
To be embraced by one beloved child ! 
Thus toiling pensively, behold, 
To me appeared the Angel of the Lord, 
Who unto me revealed this promise bright : 
"Thou shalt be mother of a Nazaritel" 

SAMSON. 

Spare thy words ! 'gainst God's decree 'tis struggling ; 
For I shall reconcile these hostile nations. 
But should I fail, then lends this coalition 
To me, a deadly weapon for all future. 

MANOAH. 

Since that most solemn moment of our life, 

Thy mother deemed herself as graced by Heaven ; 

As if she were the holy tabernacle. 

Wherein the high priest had retired to sleep. 

And after thou hadst entered life, my son, 

She suffered as no other mother doth, 

In fear, anxiety, and trembling hope. 

Constant on guard in day-time were our cares ; 

By night, disturbed from rest, we watched thy sleep. 

And when I sometimes rightly disapproved 

Such fond excess of her maternal love — 

ABIGAIL. 

Then did I lift thee in my arms, and cried, 
Lo, the deliverer of our shackled people 1 

SAMSON. 

Take this my sword, and thrust it through my breast; 
More agonies, ah, death cannot contain, 
Than those remonstrances against my love I 



SAMSON AND DELILAH^ 17 



MANOAH. 

Is there within the bounds of Israel 
No maiden worthy of thyself and us ? 
Among the dark-eyed daughters of our race, 
Cculdst none select to wed, and be content ? 



Ay, must thou to these Gentiles go, to take 
Thy wife — a daughter of their idol's priest? 

SAMSON. 

Will prudence — reason — argue well with love ? 

Doth morning dew, before its falling, ask 

If it shall hang on briars' dusty thorns, 

Or silvery pearl upon the buds of roses ? 

Doth prematurely calculate the sun, 

If his first rays in spring shall hold embraced 

The icicles of gorgeous mountain crags, 

Or kiss the dew from off some white May flower ? 

Again — a fountain bursts the breast of rock : 

Is it not equal to the miirmuring brook. 

If watering here industrious peasant fields, 

Or there is blessing the acres of rich misers, 

And then pursues through God's or Dagon's temple 

Its winded course towards the roaring ocean ? 

These things, heartless and dumb and deaf, obey 

God's everlasting natural commands. 

How can a man beforehand be enabled 

To figure up adjusting arguments, 

When all at once his most vehement feeling, 

His noblest passion — love — breaks forth to light 

Like morning dew, or vernal sun or fountain ? 

Can you expect an answer to nice questions, 

When in the mind all thoughts are wild and whirling, 

And every drop of blood is burning fever ? 

No! love — true love — is ne'er constrained by creeds, 

Nor doth it calculate with prudent sense ; 

Its laws a loving heart but comprehends. 



18 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

MANOAH. 

Let lis with him no longer remonstrate : 
His heart is overwhehned, so that his words 
Are blazing sentiments, too passionate, 
Too lofty for a common understanding. 

[Knocks at the Tem2)le do(yi\'\ 
Enter the High Priest, Bolon. 

BOLON. 

Blessed be ye all in Dagon's holy name ! 
Ye strangers are received by him with grace. 



Our heartfelt gratitude accept. Yet, Bolon, 
As strangers, pray, upon us look no longer. 
For these here are my dear beloved parents. 
Who came, according to your national customs, 
To ask of thee, of the Philistim all. 
Thy daughter, promised to me long ere this. 

BOLON. 

The rites of our new covenant of peace 
"We previously must then exchange, my son. 
Those will secure our future satisfaction. 
I, friendly, therefore, shall embrace thee, father 
Of this much-coveted, heroic son. 

MANOAH. 

[Aside to Samson.] Inform the Gentile, son, that 

I abhor 
To speak to him whose very breath I shun. 
[Bolon embraces him. Manoah, though not resist- 
ing, shows by action his abhorence.] 

bolon. 

And prostrating myself, I kiss thy feet, 
0, blessed mother of our mighty Samson. 

ABIGAIL. 

[Aside to Samson.] I'd rather have my soles upon 
his neck, 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 19 

Than grant his unclean lips to touch my sandals. 
[BOLON, prostrate^ kisses her feet] 

MAXOAH. 

[Aside to Abigail.] How shall I find the strength to 

ask of him 
That he receive our Samson for his own? 

ABIGAIL. 

The lips of man must find it oft convenient 

To smile at times when the heart revolts and grieves. 

BOLON, 

Hark ye ! in long procession now approacheth — 
Namilah followed by her troop of playmates. 

[Music. Enter procession in this order. Warriors toith 
banners. Plias under a throne-palanquin. Atten- 
dants. Namilah and Delilah. Attendants of wo- 
men.] 

PLIAS. 

Hail, all hail to Dagon ! 

CHORUS. 

Hail, aUhail! 

BOLON. 

To him all glory forever ! 

CHORUS. 

Hail, aUhail! 



To him who ruleth all life within the waters, 

"We yearly bring a holy sacrifice ; 

He yearly asks of us a human being — 

A httle boy burnt in his altar flames. 

On whose expiring life he looks with grace. 

Should we dispense with this, he wields the storm — 

Lets loose the hurricane from his throne of shells, 

And, foamiugly, calamities he thundereth 

Upon the sons of clay. 



20 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

PLIAS. 

[Aside.'] Dagon, I pray 

Send on these strangers all thy raging wrath. I 

DELILAH. 

[-i4si(fe.] Send on them thy simoon's scorchi»g breath. 

BOLOisr. 
Proceed, originators of our hero, 
According to our usage, you must claim 
Namilah as a leg-al spouse for Samson, 
Adopting her thereby as your own daughter, 
"While I accept him for my flesh and blood. 

MANOAH. 

Ay, Samson, take thy father's place and speak. 

BOLON. 

It must not be ! 'tis 'gainst our laws. 

MANOAH. 

I am compelled then — 0, it breaks my heart I 

SAMSON. 

Namilah, come ! console my rev'rend parents, 
Persuade and reconcile them, to our love. 
Thy rosy lips will surely have more force 
To make them understand our happiness. 

NAMILAH. 

No I never will I, dare I, think of parting 
"With him by his own dear parents' hands — 
Nol venerable father, mother, no! 
Ye will not take from me that precious place 
In both of your beloved hearts. No, nol 
Do grant that I may be your child or slave. 
"When oft by the moon's silver rays, my Samson 
Related his ancestors' deeds and hfe. 
Unknown emotions, new to me till then, 
Awak'ned their unshaken faith in God. 
He spoke of Abraham, your prototype. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 21 

Who built the altar on the mountain's top, 

For sacrificing, piously to God, 

His only son, the long devoutly prayed for, 

Of Isaac — quietly submitting, suffering 

His life to bleed away upon the stone. 

Already lifts his eyes the son to Heaven — 

Already flashed the knife ui the father's grasp. 

In that most solemn moment of their trial 

The angel of the Lord bids Abr'am stop. 

And shouts, "I know now that thou fears't the Lord, 

For thou hast not withheld thy only one 

From me. Thou, therefore, shalt a blessing be 

To all the nations of the universe." 

Yes I when then Samson, with sonorous voice, 

With joyful hope, repeated Abr'am's answer — 

That solemn answer : Here am I, my Lord, 

Like lightning in a night of storm, it seemed 

Man's godly destiny revealed to me 

In deeds of such devoted piety. 

But hear the angel's voice again: Your son 

And I, we are prepar'd, if you refuse. 

Come, Samson, I embrace their knees ; let them 

(If I cannot persuade,) now bind our hands 

To be their sacrifice. But God, from Heaven, 

Bids ye, as once to Abra'ham, stop I 

ABIGAIL. 

Manoah, see, my eyes with tears are filled ; 

Thy heart, too, her appeals must needs have touched. 

[Embraces Namilah.] 
Rise, for I wish myself no better daughter. 

MANOAH. 

Maiden ! thou hast conquer'd not alone the son. 
But also more mature affection won. 

[Embraces Namilah, then advances to Bolon.] 
Here take my hand, according to your customs; 
I will make friendship, covenant of peace, 
With ye, foes of my land and Sabaoth. 



22 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

This maiden be my son's beloved wife, 
Thou wilt hereafter own him as thy son. 

BOLON. 

According: to our country's custom, then, 

I make with ye a covenant of peace. 

Here take my hand, foe of my God and country. 

My daughter shall henceforth your child be called, 

She is confirmed by me as Samson's wife. 

For seven days the nuptial ceremonies 

"We'll celebrate. Ye all I bid my guests. 

PLIAS. 

Yet hear ; before thou bless this pair, and part, 
Samson, thou must, according to our usage. 
Give to your guests a chance to win of thee 
A bridegroom's prize — some valuable present. 

SAMSON. 

I will — let me propose to you a riddle — 

PLIAS. 

(Aside). Perdition on him I He escapes the snare 
Which I had laid for him, did he clioose a fight 
Or game with weapons, as I did expect 
Of one that boasts to be so brave and strong 1 

SAMSON. 

And if 3'ou can succeed in solving this 
"Within the week, I promise forfeiture 
Of thirty festive shirts and thirty garments. 
But if you fail, then you must pay to me 
The same amount. 

PLIAS. 

'T is fair ; we all agree. 

SAMSON. 

Then, listen: — 

"Tlie devourer gave nourishment, 
And sweets came from the strong." 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 23 

PLIAS. 

Is that the whole ? 

SAMSON. 

It is 1 Though simple in its frame — beware 
That the expense pay not your failing wits. 

PLIAS. 

I hurl the snare back to its origin, 
For Isr'el serves yet to Philistia. 

SAMSON. 

By Heaven's disposition t'was decreed. 

We otherwise were not subdued by cowards. 

BOLON. 

Keep counsel, noblemen ; cause not a breach 
Of peace, whose covenant we just have made. 
Ere we begin the solemn festival, 
Our children, come, be blessed for evermore ! 

MUSIC AND CHORUS. 
Hail, hail, hail! 
When mankind frail, 
Unite in peace and love, 
Then smile the gods down from above, 
Their choicest blessings without fail ; 
We therefore shout, "hail, hail, hail!" 

[Tableau : — Samson and Namilah (bowing.) Man- 
VAH, Abigail, Bolon, blessing them ivith outstretched 
hands. Delilah. Semicircle of attendants. Plias. 
(Delilah and Plias aside gesticulate anger and dis- 
gust] 

[The curtain slowly falls.'] 



24 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 



-A.CT SEOOlSriD- 

PLOT OF THE TBAITORS. 

Judges xv. 15—20 -, xvi. 1 — L 

SCENE THE FIRST. 

[A hall Orientally decorated, Enter Plias and Deli- 
lah conversing.^ 

PLIAS. 

Could I but independently hold position 
O'er that most fickle people, who adore 
And worship all like slaves until aroused 
By some displeasure — then they set aside 
Rank, merit, birth, and trample under foot 
Him who soon an object of their hatred groweth. 
I dare not risk an act of violence 
Or force against that hypocritic priest. 
Already I most humbly have besought 
Namilah to transfer her heart to me ; 
But all I've reaped is repulse, contempt from her, 
And friendly admonitions from the father. 

DELILAH, 

Thy whining fementations shall not cause me 

To form with thee a unity of action. 

Nor shall inspire me thy insipid feelings 

Which thou and thy weak comrades nickname love. 

And which I never owned nor comprehended. 

But I will not permit this 'cursed Samson 

To dare disgrace tliee, prince, before our nation — 

Thou, who hast conquered his hated race. 

"Within my breast, like mountain's thunder, echoes 

One only strain ! nought else, I dream. 

It constitutes my hope and sole ambition. 

Downtrodden be this Israel, Dagon's foe I 

In spite of our High-priests' conspiracy. 

In spite of Samson, Danite's boist'rous judge, 

Wliile proudly on the ruins rise my country. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH, 25 

My glorious home, I'll see thee free henceforth, 
An awful foe to foes, a friend to friends. 

PLIAS. 

Permit that I may worship thee here kneeling — 
Thy words subhme, heaven's oracle must be. 
A deity perhaps in human form 
Appearest thou before the world, to tear asunder 
A wide-spread superstitious belief 
That : " Whosoever Israel may harm, 
Sabaoth's chosen nation, shall perish 
By heavenly decrees." 

DELILAH. 

Show not thyself thus cowardly, a fool 
Disheartened by nursery tales, like children, 
A man changed by a maiden to a woman. 
Cheer up thy courage — we play daring games, 
And know one road leads to a two-fold goal. 
Kise, rise I I hear approach our friends and subjects. 

[Exit Delilah.] 

[Enter Warriors and Attendants.] 

PLIAS. 

I waited anxiously for you, my brethren, 
I am eager for you to understand 
How far our enemy has gained a prize 
Within our ranks — right in our sight already. 
Since this accursed Hebrew dares to ask 
Of all Philistim maidens the most precious ; 
And with a riddle so impenetrable 
The costly garments of abused guests. 
Aye ! shall we bear this, and without resistance ? 
See, without our indignation bursting forth. 
The High Priest of our own, perfidiously 
With him unite ? 

ALL. 

Disgrace I shame ! scorn ! 

PLIAS. 

My countrymen and true confederates, 
Let me reveal it — know I love Namilah, 



26 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

And mark me how first kindled was this passion: 
The night ere Samson was betrothed to her 
I dreamt, beholding him in highest glory, 
The infidel drew ridicule on Dagon, 
While strutting scornfully before his altar ; 
Yet all Philistim fell upon their knees, 
To do him homage equal unto me, 
The regent of this land. 

ALL. 

Disgrace ! shame ! 

PLIAS. 

Then in high passion, jealous and disgusted, 
WrathfuUy did I seize his crown, and tear it; 
My arms I pressed with an unusual force 
Against him — he tottered from the sacred stand 
As if by Dagon' s lightning smitten. Down 
He senseless fell. Namilah, my adored. 
Permitted and returned my love, and clung 
Affectionately on my longing breast. 
You, all my efforts, full of joy, applauding, 
Called blessings down from heaven upon our union. 
Then I awoke, and rising vowed to Dagon 
Death — destruction by my royal hand — 
Death and destruction to that hideous monster. 
Pray tell me now, who will basely kneel to Samson, 
(And thus abide in our disgrace and shame, ) 
Or who will stand by me and my fair fame ? 

ALL. 

"We all ! we all will stand by thee I 

[Ent^r BOLON.] 

BOLON. 

The grace of Dagon be upon ye ! 

ALL. 

All hail! 

PLIAS. 

With due respect unto thy reverend self — 
Mark, High-priest, 'ere thou finish'st thy work, 
Betraying Dagon and thy nation — mark I 
All persuasion, artfully, I've tried 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 27 

In vain, to stay the issue of this day, 

A perjurer, thou heed'st none of my entreaties. 

But ne'er shall we submit to it, and swear 

Thy child cannot be taken off from us ; 

Nor shall this stranger have our festive garments. 

If thou refusest still to break this hnk 

Which binds thee to that dreaded Hebrew tyrant, 

If thou refusest to solve the riddle, and to give 

To me thy daughter — I adore her, Priest! 

"We then shall burn thy house — thy family 

We'll murder — wife and child ! 

ALL. 

We swear it ! 



Short-sighted infidels ! do ye believe 

That I would tremble at your empty threats ? 

Unworthy knaves ! ye do not feel the deeds 

I execute for our beloved country. 

The tyrant who would have our bretliren slain, 

Reposes on the bosom of a girl 

And babbles love, and dreams, in vanity, 

That he, the fool, our nation will convert. 

His haughty spirit, not his life I'll crush. 

And thus my plots are wisely calculated : 

We will so utterly disgrace and shame him, 

That he shall lack respect and confidence — 

Those sole materials to grow a hero. 

An abject thing, the jest here and abroad. 

Thus morally we'll slay him, and heartbroken 

We send him home a bye-word and reproach. 

Then let him boast henceforth upon his mission. 

Which, as he says, was mystically foretold 

By Israel's God, before his birth. Begone ! 

Before the evening star this night shall twinkle 

I solve the riddle, prince, thou win'st the bride, 

[Exit Plias, Warrioo's and Attendants. Enter Nami- 

LAH.] 

NAMILAH. 

Sternly and pensively looks my father. 



28 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

BOLON. 

In sadness, child. 

NAMILAH. 

And what has caused this, pray ? 
Thou hast assured me, more than thousand times, 
If once Namilah only should be cared for 
Thou knowest no other wish upon this earth. 
And now that I am happy all with Samson — 

BOLON. 

Since thou did'st cringe to him, thou hast forgotten 
Thy poor old father. 

NAMILAH. 

Could I e'er forsake 
My dear, beloved parent ? kind father, thou 
Who hast such tender care on me bestowed ? 
Maternal utmost fondness for a child 
Could do no more than thou hast done for me 
Since I my mother lost in infancy. 
Yes ! I adore my Samson, worship God — 
But for my father would I part with life — 
"Would tear them both from out my bleeding breast. 

BOLON. 

Give me some proof, my child ! 

NAMILAH. 

What must I do ? 

BOLON. 

I am compelled to solve that heinous riddle — 
My honor and my nation's pride stand pledged. 
Thou art the only one who hast the power 
To guard us all 'gainst shame, defeat and scorn, 
With thy sweet smiles, whom no one can resist. 
Beguile thy Samson to disclose to thee 
His secret. A loving heart, dechnes no boon 
To the object of its affections. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 29 

NAMILAH. 

Aye, so be it 
What arts persuasive through a maideu Up 
May win, I will employ for this, my triaL 
Yet doubt success ; for Samson did resist 
Already my most fervent questions. Know, 
Inquisitively, I myself, worked hard, 
Since all this festive week, that he entrust 
To me his secret — yet has he declined. 

BOLON, Ingoing], 
Thou must not fail to win the secret. 

- [Exit BoLON and Namilah.] 



SCENE THE SECOND. 

[Temple Court Samson walking up and down. Eriiter 
Namilah.] 

SAMSON. 

This is the spot where my return awaits 
Namilah, when cease my daily aimless rambles — 
At last the moment comes that ends this strife ; 
This day departs — and I lead home my bride. 

NAMILAH. 

Be welcom'd, dear Samson. 

SAMSON. 

Beloved maiden, 
Here am I, back — returning to thy arms, 
Methinks my happiness is unsurpassed. 



Thou flatterest me. Ah 1 Samson, thy sweet words 
Are many — yet thy heart beats not like mine — 
Entire, devoted, faithful, true affection. 



30 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

SAMSON. 

Behold the crimson moon rise on the azure ; 

Vast milHons of the golden stars serve twinklingly 

Around our globe. Here, soft repose, sweet dreams, 

Have hovered beneath the wing of night. 

And we appear within this sleeping landscape, 

True types of our parental innocence, 

While they in guiltless Eden yet could dwell. 

Namilah, pray — what raay'st thou ask of me 

In such a moment that I would not grant, 

While I encircle thee within these arms 

And call thee mine, sweet partner of my soul. 

NAMILAH. 

Did I entreat thee not continually 

To satisfy my weak curiosity, 

Disclosing that strange riddle's explanation 

Tome? 

SAMSON. 

From my own parents I withheld it — 
How may'st thou press me for its revelation? 



Thereby I'd try thy pure love's true foundation; 
Such are thy vows — I weep — and thou refusest. 

SAMSON. 

When maidens weep, the firmest will must falter. 

To children dwindle giants, when beset 

By the all-potent tears of suppliant woman. 

I will no longer sliow resistance. Come, cheer up 

For I submit the mystery to explain. 

NAMILAH. 

Do, do ! dear Samson — trust to me thy secret. 

SAMSON. 

Thou art aware that stealthily I often 
Have visited my dear Namilah's home; 
Thus once in meditations I, forlorn 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 31 

Roamed, straying o'er the blooming wine-clad hills, 

And dreamingly walked on — when all at once 

A lion leaped upon me from the bushes, 

With glaring eyes that flashed of bloodthirst and 

hunger. 
He thrust his talons sharp', into my flesh. 
Now came the spirit of the Lord upon me, 
A strength all supernatural. With both my arms 
I force him off — I throw him down — and gripe 
The ravenous brute by both his jaws. One foot 
I place into his wTath-swelled rising mane. 
And tear, with one firm, muscular attempt, 
The beast to halves, as one would tear a kid. 
From this affair thou easily may'st trace 
My question; for '"what is stronger than a lion?" 

NAMILAH. 

Great heavens ! thou didst dare such feat to risk? 
What would become of me if thou hadst failed. 

SAMSON, 

This consideration only did inspire me. 

But listen on. It came to pass thereafter 

That I returned by that same route once more — 

Fatigued and famished did I reach the spot ; 

There mouldered the corpse — and wonderfully, 

Within the decomposed remains had settled 

A hive of bees, depositing their sweets, 

Which did refresh my parched lips anew, 

And then preserved me truly from starvation. 

Such is full explanation of my riddle — 

For, tell me what is sweeter yet than honey ? 

NAMILAH. 

If thou dost press thy hps upon my own 

It's sweeter than all honey of the bees. 

But let us hence — our guests must long have waited ; 

We should be present when they are received. 



32 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

SAMSON. 

Nay — thou must leave me not, without thou first 
Eefresh my aQul with that sweet voice of thine, 
And sing the «ong I love to hear of thee. 

NAMILAH. 

All that thou lovest I most like to do. 

SONG. 

They tell me not to love thee 
Thou art not of my creed. 
Nay, let the selfish scoff me 
I cannot, will not heed. 
'Tis vain, 'tis vain forever 
Affection true, to part. 
Thus nought my love can sever 
From thy beloved heart. 

I climbed the mountains lonely, 
The solitude above 
With silent tongue asked only 
What creed forbids to love ? 
I walked the sea shore musing. 
The surf beneath my feet 
Sang evermore accusing — 
" Love cares not for a creed." 

Where'er I went I met thee, 

It's vain, I'll not forsake — 

For ere I could forget thee 

My bleeding heart must break. 

'Tis vain, 'tis vain forever 

Affection true to part I 

Nought, nought my love can sever 

From thy beloved heart I [Exeunt both.} 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 33 



SCENE THE THIRD. 

[^Decorations of Scene first, yet more festively garland- 
ed. Set tables iviih antique loine urns and goblets. 
Plias, Warriors and Attendants, Delilah ajid At- 
tendants, seated around the tables. Enter Bolon, 
Samson and Namilah.] 

BOLON. 

With hospitable greeting all are welcomed, 

To close this wedding festival of Samson. 

Should incense wanting be, or spice, or myrtle, 

Let conversation be its substitute. 

Here, Samson, ere thou tak'st thy place, I pledge thee 

By sparkling wine : Hail to our covenant I 

SAMSON. 

Wine ! 'tis forbidden fruit to me — 

And yet, 'tis good to look at ; and by what 

I've heard, it gladdens ev'ry human heart 

In its effects — if it be sin in man 

To taste of wine, then was it still more wrong 

That sin was in so sweet a form created. 

I therefore thus return thy gracious pledge : 

** Peace and prosperity to both our nations 1 " 

BOLON. 

We thank thee heartily — right well was done 
Thy first ^attempt in emptying a goblet. 

PLIAS. 

But hast thou not forgotten the festive garments 
Which are our dues if we can solve thy riddle ? 

NAMILAH, [aside.'] 
Didst thou betray me, father ? I intrusted 
Thee with the secret, yet our guests, too, know it. 
I have committed treachery on Samson 
And will — 
2 



34 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

BOLON. 

Hush, senseless girl, and instantly 

SAMSON, 

Be not so hasty, prince — first guess correctly 
And then demand the winner's due reward. 

PLIAS. 

Thy riddle ? 

SAMSON. 

Nourishment came from the strong ! 

PLIAS. 

What is stronger than a lion ? 

SAMSON, [aside.'] 
Deceit ! they know it. 

PLIAS. 

Proceed. 

SAMSON. 

The devourer sweetness gave : 

PLIAS. 

Nought sweeter than honey ! 

SAMSON. 

Serpent of a woman ! 

BOLON. 

Thou must not angrily thus gnash thy teeth ; 
Man should keep merrily what he hath promised. 

SAMSON. 

I swear it by my beard, thou needst not fear. 

I've ever faithfully my words fulfilled. 

My wrath was kindled only by your wiles — 

For had ye not been ploughing with my heifer, 

"Which means, had not thus a frail woman's tongue 

Deceivingly betrayed me and my riddle. 

Disgraced, would you now occupy my place. 

I must take leave of you my word to keep, 

[(mc?e] Yeshallthefruitsof your seeding reap! [Exit. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 35 

BOLON. 

Brethren! the prize we've won — indeed we have I 

He fell into my smart and cunning snares. 

Now to finish my well-plotted schemes. 

Take, thou rebel, on our priesthood and our laws, 

Namilah for thy legal wife directly ; 

These are your nuptial guests, to bear us witness 

PLIAS. 

Thanks, thousand thanks, priest, for thy graciou gift ; 
But why, Namilah, turn aside in sadness ? 

BOLON. 

"Why are thine eyes, my daughter, filled with tears ? 

Is not the royal offspring of thy country:— 

Is not the playmate of thy childhood worthier 

Than such a foreign fugitive can be ? 

Who has with soft beguiling tongue alone 

Wrapt thy unconscious heart in guilty love. 

Not thy posisession he desired — no, no ! 

Our homes to conquer was his deceitful object. 

He ne'er meant his wife in thee to honor ; 

Dagon's throne he wished to overthrow, 

Upon the ruins his own god to raise — 

A god of fiction, who has nor hands nor feet— 

Who, as they feign, resides above yon blue ; 

This thought in him alone should be his death. 

NAMILAH. 

Within ray breast what struggle passions reared 
'Gainst duty stern my heart's true love appeals; 
This noble feeling must not be impaired, 
Though reason all its strong persuasion wields. 
Be't death or life — love conquers, wins the prize, 
Thus flow the tears which trembhng fill my eyes. 

BOLON. 

Thou dost abandon then thy hoary father ? 
Dost not remember thy own sentiments ? 
Phihstim, know this was her sacred promise : 



36 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

" Yes, I adore my Samson, worship God, 

But for my father would I part with hfe — 

"Would tear them both from out my bleeding breast 1" 

NAMILAH. 

So 'tis, my life be taken, I'll die for thee — 
But live I cannot without him. 

PLIAS. 

Dost thou devise 
To be a traitress to our faith and country ? 

NAMILAH. 

Ye taught me to deceive my noble Samson, 
More dear to me than God and all PhiUsthn. 



We taught it punishing inconstancy. 

In secret, ay ! thy much adored betrothed 

Did offer me his heart, while he demanded 

Our High-priest's daughter for his legal wife. 

Girl, weak and wily, [NamilaKs gestures show that 

she does not believe and despises the words.^ 

I can give thee proofs — 
These here all bear me witness to my words. 

PLIAS. 

"We listened and heard his amorous vows. 

NAMILAH. 

[Depressed^ and then at once starting up again.^ 
Here, I am yours again, my countrymen. 
Curse upon such deceit which breaks the heart ; 
Curse fall on him — no, curse him not — if even 
He did betray me — no, no ! — curse him not — 
Accept my hand — I'll be thy spouse, now prince ; 
'Tis immaterial who from the dust selects 
A flower, faded and to wither doomed. 
And thou, my dear, beloved father — pray. 
Oh, pardon those hard words I basely uttered ; 
It was so sweet a dream — a passing vision. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 37 

How do I feel ? — my heart is chilled — I tremble. 
My eyes grow dim — [she swoojis] — help 1 Samson ! 
Samson I 

[BoLON and Plias hear her away.] 

DELILAH. 

Thus have I guarded you against disgrace — 

Ensnaring wiles will alwaj^s master truth. 

Yet shall I execute hereafter deeds 

Which will bring honor upon you and me, 

And superiority to Dagon's reign. 

Samson I've not without a cause accused 

Of an inconstant heart — this fickle man 

I easily can judge ; and know the giant 

Will dwindle and he but a baby-toy 

If some bright maiden eyes are 3xed upon hun. 

I'll try m}'- charms to captivate him thus, 

And should he fall into these small, smooth fingers, 

Ne'er shall again this deadly hated foe 

Raise proudly over us his curly head 

To boast upon those victories any longer 

Which he did win amongst your ranks, brave men. 

[^45ic?e] Men only by their sex — but fools and cowards 

When called upon to act in time of trial. 

[^4Zoz^cZ] I have a heart which equals that of Samson 

In vigor and in pride ; and every nerve 

Is stretched within me to match myself with him. 

Philistim, here you shall assistance vow ; 

And be assured — your prize — if I succeed. 

My vengeance sacrifice — wiU Samson be ! 

ALL. 

[ Upon their knees] We swear it I 

[Ee-enter Bolon and Plias. 

BOLON. 

We, too, belong to your confederacy 1 

DELILAH. 

Rise, Rise ! I Samson hear approach. Attend, 
It is too late this night for risking deeds. 



38 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

But hold yourselves prepared and always ready, 

Each hour may call us to united service. 

[Enter Samson and a servant bearing a bundle of cloth.'] 

SAMSON. 

Here duly you receive what I have promised — .. 
Count — thirty festive shii-ts and thirty garments ; 
We'll longer not suspend the nuptials close. 
Where is my bride ? 

ALL, [laughing]. 
Ha! ha I ha I — his bride! 

SAMSON. 

How! do you dare to laugh and sneer at me 1 
Behold these neafs 1 they'll crush you to the dust ; 

DELILAH. 

[JLffide,] Arouse him not — for he fulfills his threats ! 
'Tis best to reconcile him, Bolon. 

BOLON. 

Thou art aware, noble Samson, never, 
According to our creed, insult we strangers ? 

SAMSON. 

Stranger ? am I a stranger still among you ? 

PLIAS. 

So thou didst act — for recently arrived 

A message thou hadst causeless shed the blood 

Of thirty thee befriended Philistim. 

SAMSON. 

In self-defense ! while wantonly attacked 
I was — the single man, by thirty ruffians ! 
I hardly laid my hands on these weak creatures 
And they already fell like summer flies 
When cold draws nigh. 

BOLON. 

We therefore considered 
That thou didst hate us all. I gave thy bride 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 39 

To Plias. He, our prince, has wedded her. 
But here, behold our nation's younger oflfspringi 
[Delilah coquettes with Samson. 
Kin to the vernal bud bedewed by morning ; 
Take her to wife, in place of my poor daughter. 

SAMSON, \aside.'] 
By Heaven, she is a most beauteous maiden ; 
Her youthful bloom would win my admiration. 
[^Zoztd] Just cause henceforth have I 'gainst ye Phil- 

istim — 
Tour laughter hurled defiance in my face. 
Tou took my wife — henceforth must rage between us 
Eternal tempest, never to be calmed. 
Now mark these words: — I lift my arms and vow- 
By Heaven ! I'll be revenged, revenged upon you I 
Suspended be within my heart and soul 
A peaceable or friendly inclination 
Towards your race of heartless, faithless villains. 
Destruction, death, and deathful deeds, 
Shall be the retribution on my foes — 
Shall be the combat for which Samson stands. 
Eevenged I'll be 1 revenged on all devoted 
To the abhorred mammoth fish-god, Dagon. 
Down with both idol and idolaters ! ! 
That my mission be henceforth, my vengeance, 
Samson shall Israel yet deliver 1 

[The Philistim all crowd into the hachground.l 
Hence from my sight ! hence, accursed traitors I 
Away ! I say — If ye would not behold 
The sight — that presently these arms alone 
Shall level all your bodies to the ground I 
I'll slay whatever bears a human face I 

BOLON. 

Fly ! fly 1 before the mad destroyer's wrath I 

[Tableau : Philistim all in a flying position. Samson 
retaining his threatening stand. Jfewtc.] 

[The curtain slowly falls.] 



40 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 



Delilah. beguiles and Dagon prevails. 

[Judges xv. 4 — 20 ; xvi, 1—5, and 15 — ^21.] 

SCP]NE FIRST. 
[ Court before the Temple. People asserrible.'} 

CHIEF OF THE PHILISTIM. 

Our priest heaped this calamity upon us; 

So this shunned Hebrew rages tiereely 'gainst 

"Whatever bears the name of Phihstim, 

FIRST MESSENGER. 

[Enters running. 
Hark 1 hark 1 Two hundred foxes Samson caught, 
He twisted strongly their long cues together, 
Between each fastening a torch ; he turned 
Them loose on our ripe harvests — that a blaze 
Around the country stands. Starvation stares 
The poor people in the face. 

CHIEF. 

That's Samson's vengeance. 
All for the sake of that accursed priest, 
"Whose daughter he desired to have for spouse, 
And was so badly cheated out of her. 

[Enter Second Messenger 

SECOND MESSENGER. 

Hark 1 hark 1 we marched, for battle armed, to Lehy 
The border city of Philistia 
And Israel, destroying everything 
That came before us. We declared by Dagon 
To visit 'pon all Israel Samson's mischief 
"Within our suffering country, till they would 
Surrender him, each limb by shackles bound. 
Hereon, three thousand men of Judah's tribe 
Went forth against the Danaite, and they found him 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 



41 



Reposing, sheltered on the rock of Etam; 
And with reproaches for his doing evil 
To all his nation, did inform him that 
They had in bonds needs to surrender him 
To Philistia ; on which he did consent- 
Provided they would solemnly declare 
That none of his own nation should lay hand 
Upon him. This agreed, they brought the captive 
To Lehy. Our tents already we had pitched, 
And as we saw liim, loud our war-song shouted, 
When all at once the spirit of strange powers 
Came mightilv upon him, and the cords 
"Which bound his arms became like flax that burns. 
He straight from off his wrists tore them asunder, 
A jawbone of an ass he found, and grasped it- 
Most horrid weapon in such hands ! he smooth'd 
Our ranks ! While each blow kiUs a man, he shouts— 
"Revenge of Samson for a priest's deceit 1" 
I hither fled alone to tell the fact. 

ALL. 

Misery 1 misery! 

THIRD MESSENGER. 

[Enters gasping for breath. 
Hark! Hark! 
Last evening late, when Samson did arrive 
At Gaza, he lodged in this our sister city 
At a noted wanton's inn. The citizens 
Information soon received ; and their forces 
Turned out with implements of war, intending 
By every means to captivate the dreaded. 
At sunrise he the ponderous gates approached, 
Which were with rams and locks most firmly set. 
The guards fly at the sight of him ; and lo !— 
Indeed, it scarcely can be comprehended— 
He easily with his huge shoulders heaves 
All— doors and posts ! and bears them on his back 
Ton the summit of a hill, and shouts 
Aloud to us with boist'rous scornful laughter : 
"Revenge of Samson for a priest's deceit!" 



42 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

ALL. 

Ohl ohl oh I 

CHIEF. 

I wovild that Samson 
"Were reconciled. We all are lost and gone I 
Let's kill the priest at once. 

ALL. 

Aye, kill the priest ! 

CHIEF. 

And burn his house ! 

ALL. [Rushing off- 

Fire! fire I fire I 
[A strong blaze from without. 



SCENE THE SECOND. 

[Garden with exotic vegetation. At the right side is a 
retreat. Enter Delilah and Plias conversing.] 

PLIAS. 

This moment I received that mournful message 
A furious riot was at Timnath raised. 
Against the priest and us revolts the mass. 
Our palaces lie burnt — and woe on me, 
My bride, Namilah, and her father, perished — 
All for the sake of pacifying Samson. 

DELILAH. 

That seals his dooml 

PLIAS. 

Avenge thy brother, girl I 
Thou didst assert, more vigor bear thy wiles 
Than our united arms 'gainst such a foe. 
'Tis promising much — yet hast thou nought fulfilled. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 43 

DELILAH. 

Reproaches, accusations durst to oflFer--- 
Add but one single word against thy sister, 
And Samson shall receive a friendly warning. 

PLIAS. 

I've not intended to arouse thy passion; 
But eager vengeance, irresistible 
Has that event stirred in my burning breast. 
A thousand shekels of the finest silver 
Pays our confed'racy— if thou aspirest 
This very day to overcome our foe. 

DELILAH. 

His strength, according to his own assertion, 

Consists in some inviolated secret. 

I'll solve that mystery— I'm pledged to solve it I 

Yet for this wUhng task I'll not accept 

Base proffers of reward. 

PLIAS. 

Success be thine 1 
A laurel wreath will crown thy raven locks — 
Thy fame shall equal our immortal heroes. 
Thy honor gloriously in national hymns 
We'll sing— but for thy trouble, take reward. 

DELILAH. 

Be't even as thou sayest. But thou, a man 

Who plumes himself on his sagacity,^ 

Know woman's greatest satisfaction is,' 

To creep into secrets with success. 

And publish them to all the world besides. 

What night to us in confidence intrusts. 

Our garments e'en in broad light of day reveal. 

But hark! our common foe. Samson, approacheth, 

[Steps are heard from within. 
To a nocturnal feast I him invited. 
With juice of grapes and love's parley I'll try 
My strength his secret to extort. If wine 



44 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

Doth stir itself aright, in dissipation 
It makes the senses reel and leaves the heart 
Unguarded 'gainst a woman's shrewd temptations. 
Let us retreat forthwith to this verandah. 

[Exeunt both and enter Samson, 

SAMSON. 

Such inconsistent cowardice I 'Tis weak — 

Lack of character it must be called. 

Base conduct 'tis, for which I shun myself. 

Strange doth attract me this accursed spot I 

Compare me to that pitied bird — a prey, 

Fixed, spell-bound 'pon our palms, in trembling fear 

By the coiled serpent's fascinating eyes. 

From branch to branch it leaps involuntarily, 

Then shrieking shrill, it lifeless sinks at last 

Into the open'd jaws of the huge monster. 

Shame I shame 1 shame ! 

[He closes his eyes and buries his face in his hands. 
Enter Delilah, taking beguilingly his right hand. 
The whole of her folloiving acting should be sweet 
persuasion, yet betraying her pu7-pose.'] 
Ah ! thou here ? 

How fares my beauteous deceitful maiden ? 

DELILAH. 

Deceit, I suppose, is but correct — 
An attribute of one who false, without 
The least regard, advantage takes, and boldly 
From the straight path of truthfulness departs. 

SAMSON. 

Most so, since I declined to let thee enter — 
And twice, in secrets which I must ne'er reveal 
To any one — and least to curious woman. 
Let notwithstanding peace between us reign. 
We will but love my maiden and forget 
The harmless wrong. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 45 



PLIAS. 

Do not disturb our feast 
"With broils. Ye slaves ! bring wine ! 
[Enter Attendant, bringing urns with wine and gohlets.'] 
I pledge thy health. 

SAMSON. 

Ha, Plias ! I with the only toast accord : 
"Perdition on my foes I" Believe ye not 
Me reconciled for having killed your priest. 
No, no 1 think not my hate and wrath subdued ! 



I know right well why not ! for there has perish- 
ed— 
Namilah too, thy sweet affection, which e'en 
Subdued a Samson, and him her captive made. 

SAMSON. 

Me — subdued ? — a captive ! — say'st thou so? 
Hal hal hal hal 

DELILAH. 

Fearest thou no woman's snare ? 

SAMSON. 

The whole dear female army of Philistia 
"With few sweet stories of the heart I'd tame. 
They sue for peace when seeming they do resist. 

DELILAH. 

Thy mighty word is equal to thy strength. 
But let us have a trial, mighty hero ; 
I, single-handed, and a timid maiden, 
Defy thee for the honor of our women ! 

SAMSON. 

With love ? thou easily canst conquer me, 
For then I lend thee my own armor. 

DELILAH. 

Beware 1 
Thou scornest me ! thou wilt find a foe that's brave. 



46 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

SAMSON. 

Be my antagonist in all, except 
In heart afifairs ! 

DELILAH. 

Thy jest is ill employed; 
Most dangerous are weapons women carry. 

SAMSON. 

I venture, maiden — 'tis no club nor war-axe 
Thy hands, so soft and tender shaped, can wield. 

DELILAH. 

E'en tender hands may execute great deeds ! 
And women, though they ne'er contend with iron, 
They employ their eyes and tongues and hearts. 
These are their war-engines with which they conquer ! 

SAMSON. 

We must not battle. Come, let me pledge thee here. 

DELILAH. 

My sentiment then have — G-ood luck to hatred 1 

[They drink, and the goblets are re-filled. 

PLIAS. 

And mine — May ever grand thy people be I 

SAMSON. 

My Israel the world may persecute ; 

But e'en in fetters, free and grand remains 

God's chosen people, 

For hearts and souls and faith cannot be conquered. 

PLIAS. 

Another toast I May true religion prosper ! 

Hail, Dagon 1 [Drinks. 

SAMSON. 

Nay, hail, Sabaoth ! 

[Dashes the goblet away. 
Thou shalt not. Gentile, and in bad society 
"Wantonly our holy cause profane. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 47 

Intolerant, stray-running quarrels have 
Ever turned man's happiness, religion's aim, 
Into its worst antagonistic field. 
Intolerance ! did tongues and hearts not know thee, 
The world ten centuries were in advance. 
But here I'll prophecy it : Time will come 
When mankind shall expel from out their midst 
The tyrants of their civil rights ; and then, 
The nations will unite to tear asunder 
The strongly twisted chains which bind their con- 
sciences. 
Then, aye 1 the time will come that breaks the walls. 
"Which man divides from man. Jew and Gentile 
Will open their blindfolded eyes at last, 
And guided by the power of rational thought, 
Their own spiritual government assume. 
Upon the ruins of hypocricy erects 
KeUgion its true covenant of love. 
As there is but one freedom — there will be 
But one religion ; and, as each individual 
Obeying law and order is a citizen, 
So every one, who doth as he desires 
To be done unto, is a member of good standing 
In that great universal church sublime 
Which shall in truth be called "Messiah's time." 

PLIAS. 

What dost thou consider shall be done 
With all those numerous structures where we wor- 
ship. 
For which we amply sacrificed our gold ? 

SAMSON. 

Transformed they'll be into halls of education 

Of young and old ; or into nurseries 

For the homeless, helpless and misery-stricken sick. 

When men thus worship. Heaven will rejoice ! 

DELILAH. 

Thou gro west sentimental — come, drink! drink 1 



48 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

In wine we best forget our cares and sorrows. 
[Samson drinks hastily^ and empties the goblet several 
times.] 

SAMSON. 

What strange excitement runs through all my pulse ; 
My blood shoots liquid fire through my brain. 
Who now would risk a grasp of these my fingers? 
And were his bones and smews adamantine, 
I into dust would pulverize the mortal. 
Begone, ye slaves ! — avaunt I — away ! — begone I 
Let me alone with her ! — away ! — begone 1 
[He forces Plias and Attendants off; Delilah follows ; 
thus exeunt all. 



SCEITE THE THIRD. 

[Gorgeous sleeping apartment in Oriental style. An 
ottoman and an escutcheon at the right side. Deli- 
lah, fascinatingly attired, leads in Samson, wJio is 
highly intoxicated. She sits on the ottoman, Samson 
on the escutcheon, his head reposing in her lap.] 

DELILAH. 

Well, well! dear Samson, repose thus by my side. 

Let in my arms recline tliy head excited, 

To find there quiet from wine and mental care. 

Oh, that thou though'st me worthy I Pray, ope 

The secret of thy precious heart to me. 

I'll, too, impart glad news to thee, my Samson. 

Mark me attentively, and happy feel ; 

Por, the high trust, wherein delighteth woman, 

As far as Orient reacheth, to me was granted; 

Remember that I bear love's sweetest pledge 

Beneath this true and constant heart, my Samson. 



I'll slay the man who is ray enemy — 
But with a female, love is my revenge. 



\ SAMSON AND DELILAH. 49 

DELILAH, 

Be k\nd, before sweet sleep doth close thine eyes. 
Pray, grant my wish. 

[Samson wwe intoxicated and unconscious. 



SAMSON. 

I'll grant — grant anything. 

DELILAH. 

Ere this, did I receive thy promise twice, 
Yet twice most vexingly was I betrayed. 

SAMSON. 

Art thou not false ? and thou wilt find me true ? 

DELILAH. 

I am to thee, and thee alone, devoted ; 
I love but thee — to prove it, feel — I'll kiss 
Thy lovely lips ; {kisses him fervently] ; thus, thus, 
Delilah kisses. 

SAMSON. 

Oh ! thou wilt madden me — wilt craze my brain. 

DELILAH. 

Come, let me win thy secret — what part of thine 
Has summed thy strength — unfold to me thy breast. 
Look in my eyes — and not betray again! 

SAMSON. 

This woman holds me — I cannot resist. 

[Sis tries to arouse himself. 
"Where is my head ? My wavering eyes grow dim 1 
Am I, this day, by my own hands to faU ? 

DELILAH. 

The wine acts on thy nerves. Another kiss. 

[^Kisses him again. 
"Wert ever thou more fervently embraced? 

SAMSON. [Despairing. 

The serpent, nay, a woman, Adam culled. 



60 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

DELILAH, 

Confess, dear partner of my heart, confess. 

SAMSON. 

[Broken and lasty. 
I must disclose it, or I can not sleep. 
Know then — I am a Nazarite ; ne'er came 
A razor on my head ; were I deprived 
Of these, my seven locks, I would be weak, 
And equal found in strength to other men. 
Alas I now let me sleep ; I'm deathly faint. 

DELILAH. 

Sleep, sleep. Sweet dreams of peace may visit thee. 
My slaves without pour forth the sweetest songs. 
And let your harps in mellow strains speak music. 
Let song and melody and sleep be mingled, 

[Song^ with harp accompaniment from within.'] 
Into thine eye 
I've fondly gazed, 
Since ever nigh 
To thee are chased 
My thoughts, my peace — 
I ne'er cease 
To think of thee, 
To cling to thee. 
If far away or by. 
My heart, my soul, my dreams, 
All gaze into thine eye. 
To catch its loving gleams. 
For since thy looks have gazed on me, 
I, all and e'er belong to tliee I 
[During the song, Samson ?ias fallen asleep. Delilah 
lays his head on the ottoman, and satisfies herself of 
his unconsciousness. 

DELILAH. 

Samson ! Samson ! Samson ! 

[Rushes excited to the front of the stage. 



\ SAMSON AND DELILAH. 61 

At last, success I He has revealed the truth. 
Free is my country I I will be revenged, 
And mn ambition's highest, glorious prize. 

[She gives a signal. Enter Plias, hastily. 

PLIAS. 

Delilah, did'st thou succeed? Ohl speak, my sister 1 

DELILAH. 

There ! captivate the giant 1 Silently, 
And with all speed, procure the sharpest razor ; 
Then carefully we must approach, to sever 
From his ne'er shaven head, those seven braids. 
Prepare also our friends ; we conquer him. 
Eevenge thyself and me, and all Philistim. 

PLIAS. 

But I consider : he must not be killed. 
New punishments, unheard of, we will use. 

DELILAH. 

He shall not die a lauded martyr ! No 1 
No! no! Begone! On that I'll muse ; begone! 
[Exit Plias. Patbse. Delilah lost a moment in re- 
flection.'] 
There is of all parts of the human body 
Not one more tender nor more obvious. 
Like precious jewels guarded carefully — 
None is more indispensable to man 
Than are his eyes. For our existence is, 
Of light deprived, a baleful chaos. 
Take from the sun his light, the world is dead ; 
Enwrap our earth in everlasting night. 
And she will totter; take a man born blind — 
To him it were much better his Creator 
Had made of him a soulless, heartless stone. 
And even if his face were perfect beauty. 
Eyeless, the splendor would increase our pity. 
And were his muscles adamantine strong. 
Blind, he were helpless, weak as infants are. 

[Enter Plias. 



52 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

Thus it is we'll break this giant's strength ; 
If eyeless, he will be alive, yet dead. 

IThey approach noiselessly. Plias cuts the locJcs. 
Both then rush forward. Plias throws the hair 
to Delilah.] 

PLIAS. 

'Tis done I Eeceive all seven of his braids ; 
In yonder ambush have I placed our allies. 

DELILAH. 

Call them immediately to our succor, 

PLIAS. 

[Shouts.] Philistim and Dagon ! this way, to over- 
come Samson I 

[Enter Warriors. 
Take fearless hold of him with solid grasp. 

DELILAH. 

His supernatural power is all dispelled. 

PLIAS. 

But heed I the one who slays him, him shall I slay. 
The work of vengeance I myself will do. 

[Samson awakes and looks around bewildered. 

SAMSON. 

Where, where am I ? How do I feel ? Despair 1 
My seven braids — are shorn 1 Heavens ! I am lost ! 

DELILAH. 

Ha 1 ha ! ha 1 [scornfully laughing] at last thou art I 

PLIAS. 

At last thy slaughter- work is ended. 

Lay hands' on I [To the Warriors,] 

[They struggle; Samson is forced down, 

SAMSON. 

Assassins 1 Then for life have I to combat. 



\ SAMSON AND DELILAH. 53 

Tour whole united powers I defy I 

[They hold him entirely in their power. 
No, no I 'tis out 1 I have profaned my pledge, 
The mystery of Heaven betrayed to woman. 

PLIAS. 

Thou wilt no longer harm us. Bring the ropes. 

[Enter Slaves ivith ropes. 
Strongly be his limbs secured. [They fetter fiim.'} 

SAMSON. 

Kill me !— kill ! 
I have deserved to die. While I expire, 
Behold a sacrifice to wild desire. 

DELILAH. 

Thou shalt not die 1 Too large is our account. 
Unpaid yet stands mine and my nation's vengeance I 
[ Warriors drag him off. Exit Delilah. 

PLIAS. 

"We will exhibit him throughout the land. 
"We'll show him caged, like an ensnared hyena. 
Here, then, [lifting his dagger and exits running] and 
here 1 [Samson, from within, shrieks twice ;] 
live on — but eyeless live ! 
Dagon has conquered ! "We are revenged I revenged ! 
[Samson's groans are heard from within. The shift- 
ing of scenery must be very precise and quick. 



SCENE THE FOURTH. 

[Hall for private worship of the Idolaters. Dagon^s 
statue stands in the backgi^ound ; before him stands 
a small altar. Delilah, Plias and Warriors form 
a group around Samson, loho is blindfolded. He 
staggers forward^ and utters, despairingly'^ : 



54 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

SAMSON. 

All-just Heaven — I acknowledge my affliction ! 
Oh blind — my father, mother — woe I woe ! woe ! 

[He falls down unconsciously. 

DELILAH. 

Triumph ! free is Philistia 1 We are avenged ! 
Be off 1 Send messengers throughout the land ; 
Proclaim with trumpets loud our full succesa 
We'll celebrate a great, a national feast. 
When all Philistim to their joy behold 
The eyless Samson, whom my hands have felled, 
The gold of that reward you promised me 
I'll consecrate to celebrate that day. 

DELILAH, 

Thy proposition I approve ; till then, 
My sister, he may be our slave, to tread 
The mill at Gazah — grinding corn that's used 
To Dagon's sacrifice. Who'll lead him thither ? 

DELILAH. 

A starving boy came 'stray to me this day. 

He begged for work. 'T is well he lead the blind. 

Slaves 1 bring him here. 

PLIAS. 

Away, ye friends 1 Speed on ! Messengers, I send ye 
All through the country — loud proclaim our glory, 
And when the moon, whose face we half now see, 
Will full return the seventh time again — 
Then, let us meet in Timnath to our feast. 
It is the term for Dagon's annual 
Blood sacrifice, when we a priest elect. 

[Enter Namilah disguised as a hoy. 



My son, who wanted work, here find employ. 
When this blind man returns to consciousness, 
Then lead him safely up to Gazah. Here, 
Let this my purse be his support and thine. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 55 

NAMILAH. 

I'll faithfully obey thy wishes, mistress. 

[Exit Delilah, Plias and Warriors. 
By traveling day and night, I have succeeded 
In flying the enraged fanaticism. 
My own base countrymen have furiously 
Revolted 'gainst their tyrant and their priest. 
My father died in these my trembling arms, 
His locks grown hoary in the sacred office, 
Hjs gold-embroidered Toga flamed in fire. 
He whispered in my ear the last, last words : 
" Namilah — Dagon whom I served and worshipped 
My life-long days, alas I avails us naught. 
He is not the true Almighty God." 
Then did I faint away. Behind the altar 
Of Dagon, I at length regained my senses ; 
And by my side I found these garments lying. 
I thus disguised, fled through the country safe, 
A type of misery, detested, famished. 
My feet are sore, my body is exhausted. 
I heard but yesterday that Samson dwells here. 
Oh, that I met him. For his former love 
May still return, and we be happy yet. 
Lo there ! poor man — oh how he bleeds ; 
They cruelly laid hands on both his eyes. 
I'll speak to him — perhaps he may recover. 
\_She approaches him. Samson raises slowly his head. 

SAMSON. 

No, hesitate not 1 pierce my breast — my heart 
Have pity I feel like human beings ! Brutes, 
It is less pain to die, than to be sightless. 
Despair doth clutch me with its iron arms, 
I feel wild madness overcome my brain; 
Is no one here ? They have abondoned me 
To perish blind in isolated mis'ry. 

[He turns his face towards Namilah. 
Yet hark 1 I hear a breathing I For pity sake 
Who is it here ? art thou a human being ? 



66 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

NAMILAH. 

Horror! horror! Samson — is it thee, Samson? 

SAMSON. 

'Tis he that Samson was ; destroyed is all 
But his afflicted heart and a sightless casket. 

[He falls back again, groaning with pain. 

NAMILAH. 

Infamous deed ! If they had killed the man — 

A foe's revenge — it should have satisfied ; 

But it is more than cruel, it is infernal, 

To spare the life, but kill the power to enjoy it. 

'Tis like the burying of a man alive. 

For this, their deed, I curse my heartless race ; 

From Dagon's faith I'm severed for all future. 

Before this blind unfortunate captive here 

Here I kneel, in presence of yon high Heaven 

I raise my hand, and solemnly avow 

That I henceforth belong to Samson's nation, 

And worship but hereafter Israel's God. 

Such charity as his religion teaches, 

In his affliction I'll bestow on him, 

For thus he taught me in our happy days : 

The first of duties, man doth owe to man 

It is benevolence to all who suffer ! 

Unknown to him I'll be his nurse and guide. 

My eyes be his, devoted be my life 

To reconcile his fate ; by tender care 

Of Heaven and man, he never shall despair I 

[Samson returns to consciousness. 
We now must leave. Samson — come, come, Samson I 
Take courage — rise — lean 'gainst my shoulders — 

come — 
Try and walk ; lose not thy trust in Heaven. 

[Samson by her aid, rises heavily. 

SAMSON. 

His mighty anger justly smote and crushed me. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 57 

NAMILAH. 

His hands may strike, but also heal the wound, 

SAMSON. 

Thus am I constituted an example. 
Yea, retribution visits wickedness I 

NAMILAH. 

Art thou a man ? — let not thy firmness falter : 
Repent thy wrongs by making good the past. 

SAMSON. 

Ah I who art thou ? Perhaps dispatched to man, 
Again that angel who prophesied my birth, 
To render light my dark and joyless future 1 



All men, the most superior e'en are weak. 

They ne'er may have remembered their Creator 

"While shines on them spring's ever-smiling sun. 

But when the thunders roll, and storms are raging, 

If in distress, and if in misery. 

Then — instantly almost, man will remember 

Him, whom he had forgotten in prosperous days. 



That I but had the strength, I would submit 

To bear it with patience. Alas ! but with my sight 

Took also leave the vigor of my soul. 

NAMILAH. 

Canst thou not pray? Devotion, true and meek, 
Relieves the wretched. 



Tell me, dost thou belong 
To Israel's creed and covenant ? 

NAMILAH. 

With all my heart and soul. 



68 8AMS0N AND DELILAH. 

SAMSON. 

I truly thank thee. 
Come, kneel with me, and let us pray together. 

[^They kneel. Sacred music. 
Crushed hath the mighty arm of Providence 
My life in fearful judgment. But, Oh ! Thou 
Whose grace entirely never doth abate, 
Grant that submissively I bear my fate. 

NAMILAH. 

Oh I may it so in Heaven be resolved 1 

[The curtain slowly falls. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 59 



.A-OT FOTJII.TDE3C- 



Tlie Giant Judge Blind and in Prison. 
Judges xvi. 21, 22. 

SCENE THE FIRST. 

\_Prison. Sa7nson chained to a block. Namilah by his 
side.] 

NAMILAH. 

Why brood upon thy sore affliction thus ? 
Ah, Samson ! mute despair in man is like 
An eating evil — consuming slow but certain ! 

SAMSON. 

They murdered basely my external eyes, 
But inwardly is kindled bright a sight. 
No brooding is it — nay, my sonl reflects 
On past transgressions and my present state. 
Lol I behold myself : Samson crvished 
By strange calamities and dire misfortunes, 
A thrall of slaves — he turns the mill by day, 
Is caged by night, like some poor captive brute. 
And then, again I see reversed the picture : 
That Samson, who, according to his mission, 
Delivereth Palestine from disgraceful bondage, 
A nation's hope, his parents' pride and solace, 
Distinguished, honored, revered and beloved. 
Could I but be a monitor to the young. 
When they in life take their decisive parting, 
When lies before them the onward path to Heaven, 
I would aloud to them cry out: On 1 onl 
Though it be hardship, though it may be rough. 
For ye, like Samson, miserable and despairing, 
May be beguiled into yon laughing pathway, 
Where flowers cover the abyss of destruction. 



60 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

NAMILAH. 

Doth Providence not guide all steps of mortals ? 

SAMSON. 

Most so. But Heaven hinders not all actions 
Of man endowed with reason and free will. 
That makes my punishment the more severe. 
I know, I had a high and noble mission ; 
But have debased myself, and lost the prize. 

NAMILAH. 

Hark! one doth approach. I'll go and see who 
comes. [Exit Namilah. 

SA.MSON. 

These brutes I They rise with early dawn — around 

Me stay till midnight; abuse and scoff 

A helpless man with force and violence. 

Oh ! that I could but once use these my arms ; 

I would avenge in blood my loss of sight. 

[Re-enter Namilah. 

NAMILAH. 

Compose thyself. Thou wilt embrace anon 
Thy dearest kin — thy parents have arrived. 

SAMSON. 

Oh I often have I longed for them in vain ; 
And now, that my desire at length is granted, 
Alas ! the grave were better than to witness 
The grief and tears and sorrows of poor parents, 
"When now their trembling arms, unnerved from age, 
Embrace their bygone hope — blind, captive Samson. 
[Enter Abigail and Manodh. Both embrace Samson. 

ABIGAIL. 

Samson, oh, my Samson 1 

SAMSON, 

Mother! Mother I 

MANOAH. 

These lamentations will but add to break 

Our hearts. My withered eyes have weeped enough. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 61 

Let us seek piously for reconciliation. 

No grievance is so strong, no care so hard, 

That faith and patience can not soft and soothe. 

SAMSON. 

My disobedience has brought forth these fruits. 

Ye zealously endeavored to restrain 

My course of life, detestable and sinful. 

I listen' d not vt^hen ye from Dagon's temple, 

"With tears, attempted to persuade me, fool, 

That I should leave this false and treacherous people. 

Then I would not mind — now I'm fairly punished. 

ABIGAIL. 

'Twas tempting, not invoking Heaven, to weep 
While toiling in the field. I wished for children. 
Why condescend to grant my foolish wishes ? 
Gave I therefore birth to a Nazarite. — 
That I should find him thus, deprived of sight. 
Expelled from life's co-equal, light and freedom ; 
A proverb now to all who knew and feared him. 
Why Heaven would' st accept my foolish prayers? 

MANOAH. 

Oh, tempt not thus again the Everlasting 1 

SAMSON. 

I, not Heaven, blighted all your joyful hopes. 

MANOAH. 

stay accusations 'gainst thyself, my son, 

For man is weak by nature — he will err ; 

The best that ever lived have had their failings. 

SAMSON. 

Aye ! from all wrongs I ever have endured. 
From all the woe that has my heart afflicted. 
The heaviest of all blows were aimed at me 
By the rude hands of my own countrymen. 
To Israel, my own distracted nation, 
I rightly may impute my fall and faults. 



62 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

A most disastrous pestilence, a curse, 

A living: curse consumes this people. Its name — 

Ah ! 'tis — division and unbounded pride I 

Since they did know, as they must have knovra, indeed, 

How gloriously I battled 'gainst our foes — 

Why did all Israel firmly not unite, 

And place a powerful army at my command ? 

They would now be free and their land unyoked. 

But nay, they have ignored me altogether ; 

And, shame ! they even allied with our foes — 

Came armed against me when I dwelt at Lehy ; 

They bound my limbs, and sternly did intend 

Surrend'ring me to merciless pursuers, 

"Who would have butchered their defenseless foe. 

Insteps heard from ivithin. Exit Namilah. 

MANOAH. 

'Tis most true ! Our people ruin themselves. 
They are unmindful of their precious threshold. 
Discord and selfishness cause their decline. 
They worship more than e'er the golden idol. 
Yet I despair not. Heaven's consoling promise 
Is, that the chosen nation will repent. 
And return unto their noble mission. Then, 
Shall all mankind be blessed by Israel. 

\_Re-enter Namilah. 

NAMILAH. 

New trials still await thee, Samson. Know — 
The Gentiles' prince will presently arrive 
To take thee hence into the idol's temple. 

[Enter Plias and Warriors. 

PLIAS. 

Take off the shackles from his fettered feet. 
Be fearless, men ! The mill and prison tame. 
Thou must accompany me, Samson, come I 

\_Samson^s feet are unchained by the Warriors. 

SAMSON. 

I must? "What must I? — speak — whereto must I? 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 63 



To Timnath thou shalt hence, immediately. 
We celelirate this day our annual feast. 
Thy strength exliibited we will enjoy. 

ABIGAIL. 

Thou art a mighty sovereign, Philistim : 

Hear, hear ! — a mother bathed in tears solicits. 

Name but the sum, propose the price in gold, 

To be a ransom for this captive blind — 

For he is like a babe, dependent, helpless, 

Beneath your fear, reduced to misery. 

Ye made him harmless — now permit him peace, 

That to parental care he may return. 

I'll travel begging, if it must be so. 

His fate throughout all Israel repeating, 

From door to door, from place to place, and ask 

For charity, collecting the amount. 

But grant his liberty — release my child I 

MANOAH. 

Dost thou think ever to grow old ? Look hero 

Upon a father — tired of life, heart-broken. 

Most miserable, grieved, unfortunate. 

I once expected, should my head wax hoary, 

He would support me until called to sleep 

Beside my ancestors. 

Now he is doubly older than I am. 

The utmost of your vengeance must be sated. 

Propose a ransom ; willingly I'll pay 

For his redemption all my earthly wealth. 

My whole inheritance it may compass. 

All readily I'll render up to you. 

Take me myself besides, I'll be your slave, 

But him release, that he in peace depart. 

PLIAS. 

It is not gold we crave — scorn shall pay scorn I 
Nor does a feeble old man well exchange 
A giant. 



64 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

MANOAIL 

No, see here — I'm strong, I'm strong ! 
I will exert myself to toil severe. 
Thou knowest not what a father's love can do 
For the relief of an unfortunate son. 

PLIAS. 

In vain will ye implore — come, we'll hence, 

To open market. Thou must follow me ; 

Do not resist. Come, or I'll force thee hence ! 



Hal say' st thou, '-force me hence?" Come — dare 

approach ; 
My eyes are dead, but all my strength revives. 
I hear thee say that thon wilt force me hence, 
Hal ha I ha! ha I my hair has grown anew. 
[Re breaks the chains from off his arins^ and dishevels 

his hair. 
Come ! dare draw near, and say, thou'lt force me 

hence 1 
Let me but grasp thee, ha ! with these my arms, 
I'll strike tliee dead, I'll shatter hmbs and skull 1 
The man shall not hve who says, " Samson must ! " 

NAMILAH. [Interposes mildly. 
Oh ! rev'rend parents of this noble captive. 
Lord Philistine, and thou, Oh Samson, too. 
Permit that I, a youth, may come into 
Your counsel, and allow me speak, where I should 
listen. 

ABIGAIL. 

Who is he ? 

SAMSON. 

My guardian angel, parents ! 
"Whom Heaven most mercifully hath commissioned 
That I beneath my yoke sink not entirely. 



Accompany him, Samson — I will lead thee. 
Thou wouldst resist in vain he rightly says. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 65 

Their captive, at the public mill a drudge, 
Though thou wert firmer fastened than a rock. 
They would contend to trail thee through their streets. 
I know, they yet will multiply thy sufferings ; 
Never mind, but bear it patiently, 
The inward peace grows stronger in misfortunes. 
Go therefore with them. Heaven and I will guide. 



Prophetically doth advise the youth. 
Obey, my son I Who knows if this is not 
A part coroborate of thy high calling. 
We'll also follow to the Temple's city. 
It is not far ; yet distance great for thee. 
We'll stay there at the public inn: for never 
Will I witness this triumph of the accursed, 
Abominable worshippers of an idol. 

[Enter Delilah, rushing wiMly in. 

DELILAH. 

Ha ! let me see the captive in his bonds, 

How he, a conquered slave, clangs wild his chains. 

N A MIL AH. 

The presence of this fiend, who but arrived 
To ridicule poor Samson, I can not bear. 

DELILAH. 

Ah 1 sightless giant, whom a woman tamed, 
Hear things, for which I almost wished 
Thou hadst yet eyes, thou hadst the gift of sight. 
While thou consumest the news Delilah brings. 
Each nerve of thine will shake, and every drop 
Of blood within thy veins will freeze with horror. 

SAMSON. 

I hear the luring voice of my vile traitress. 
Now thrilling through my heart like a serpent's hiss! 
Demon ! enwrapt in tempting beauteous body, 
Thou art akin to that most dangerous race 
Which under shining skin bears certain death. 
3 



bb SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

Why doth thy throat arouse the sleeping echo 
Within this adamantine coffin of freedom ? 

DELILAH. 

Thou shalt be petrified, thou boasting giant, 
By hst'ning. Mark me, I have a son — the offspring 
Of our brief love ; and ah ! again mark — mark I 
He lives, that I may fiiUy wield my vengeance I 

SAMSON. 
Angry father of light! is yet not filled 
My bitter cup of sufferings and of trials ? 
Must all thy wrath be poured upon my head ? 

MANOAH. 

Do not blaspheme I Heaven never doth forsake I 

ABIGAIL. 

Thou'lt kill me 1 Bear it like a man, my son. 

DELILAH, 

Thy offspring have I borne — him have nursed 
And guarded. Surely, mothers, the most tender, 
Can not bestow more care upon a child. 
For know — our son shall be a sacrifice 
To Dagon, who's delighted with such gifts. 

SAMSON. 

And why, hyena, dost thou tear by piecemeal 
Thus every nerve of my distracted heart ? 
Thou hast betrayed me — ah 1 thy pitiless dagger 
Hath pierced my eyes, to make me slave and captive. 
All that is cruel have I already suffered. 
Submissively though, I've endured my fate. 

DELILAH. 

I know it ; unbroken is thy spirit still : 
I therefore came, a weak, unheeded woman, 
To try if I now cannot crush thy pride. 
I'll prove who is the stronger of us two. 

SAMSON. 

Before these present witnesses, Delilah, 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 6*7 

I'll pardon all the wrong thou heap'st npon me, 

And, for the first time of my bitter life, 

The first time since I breathe, since I have learned 

To use my limbs, behold me supplicating. 

Oh ! thus far humbled — lo I see Samson kneels. 

Before a woman, Samson bends his knees 1 

MA NO AH. 

The Israelite but kneels before his Maker ! ' 



Do not disgrace thyself to kneel to her, 
The fiend resembles but a human being. 



Were Satan subject to parental feeling, 

He even were I think to be persuaded 

To spare a child, that's guiltless and resistless. 

I therefore bent my knees to thee, Delilah. 

Blood flows as painful substitute for tears 

From out the caviiies of my lost eyes. 

Surrender to my mother's care the boy. 

The first name he shall learn to speak be thine 

Delilah ! Thus I implore thee, thou will grant 

Such doleful boon to his unfortunate father. 

DELILAH. 

I all alone — a young unheeded woman, 
Resolved to reinstate my nation's honor; 
I ne'er shall these thy mocking words forget : 
" I'll slay the man who is my enemy. 
But with a female — love is my revenge." 
I will revenge myself, too, in this manner : 
The offspring of thy love to woman, dies 1 
His father's spirit shall not be inherited. 



Thou thirst for blood 1 Take mine — take drop by drop: 
There is my naked breast — disrobed my arm — 
Look if one muscle of my face contracts. 
Stab on ! stab on ! but woman spare, spare 
The child that's guiltless of my crimes. 



68 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

ABIGAIL AND MANOAH. 

hear him I 

DELILAH. 

I know that thou would gladly die ; yet, Samson, 
Thou shalt live on. Ere I leave my vengeance. 
The granite of this prison may be moved. 

SAMSON. 

Hence, hence for Timnath — willingly I follow 
Hence to the idol's temple — to the feast. 

NAMILAH. 

How passionate thou art, and wildly roused. 

SAMSON. 

No longer raves the combat between men, 

" For all the contest is henceforth alone 

" 'Twixt God and Dagon. Dagon hath presumed 

*' Me overthrown ; to enter list with God, 

" His deity, comparing and preferring 

"Before the God of Abraham. He, be sure, 

" "Will not connive or linger thus provoked, 

" But will rise, and his great name assert. 

" Dagon must stoop, and shall ere long receive 

" Such a discomfit as shall quite despoil him 

" Of all these boasted trophies won on me, 

"And with confusion blank his worshippers." 

[Milton. 

Hence, hence to Timnath, to the Dagon's temple. 

I feel myself anew the giant Samson. 

The history of my life shall mark this day 

As having been my mission's final sway. 

[Manoah steps forth and kneels ; Abigail, Samson and 
Namilah follow. Delilah, Plias and Philistim stand 
in the background.'] 

MANOAH. 

Hear me, Heaven — my prayer grant ! 
Oh 1 govern his mind, and strengthen his hand — 
That idol may totter, the Gentiles exclaim. 
All glory forever to Sabaoth's name ! 

[Sacred music. The curtain slowly falls. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 69 



Samson's Revenge and Sabbaoth's Triumph. 

Judges xvi. 21 — 31. ; Psalm xxiv. 10. 

SCENE FIRST. 

l^Dagon^s Temple. Enter Delilah.'] 

DELILAH. 

Priestess this day, adorned with sacred glory ! 
"What can withhold from me the crown and throne ? 
That Ecron, Gazah, Ashdod are my lieges ? 
My brother Plias ! [Plias is seen listening. 

That man in name alone, 
For my first slave and subject is he fit 1 
If he resigns not voluntarily, 
This dagger silences all his objections. 

[Enter Plias. 

PLIAS. 

How fares my sister now ? Say, why so cruel 
To lift thy hand 'gainst thy own flesh and blood? 
Our foe sufficiently endured already. 
Revenge itself has certain boundaries 
"Which man, unpunished, never oversteps. 
The people feel for Samson sympathies 
Which, if increased, may fatal end for us. 
Another infant boy is easily found 
For the high sacrifice if thou'llt consent. 



I thirst myself for this unselfish honor ; 
For I have given preference already 
To free my country from its mighty foe. 
That grants to me ambition's highest prize. 
Already doth adorn my head this laurel ; 
My name's immortalized in national hymns; 
I therefore yet will sacrifice my boy. 
That gives me to the vacant priesthood claim. 



^0 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

And who foretells the honors for me in store — 
Such as are now possessed by unworthy owners? 

[Exit Delilah, haughtily. 

PLIAS. 

She's gone — a manifest adder by her sting, 

Till now concealed ; discovered, though, at last. 

I listened to thy vain soliloquy, 

Which marshalled me the way to all thy plots. 

Thou seekest usurpingly my throne and crown 

Ha! ha! a dagger previously shall silence 

All my objections, and give my rights to thee I 

Well calculated ! Thou art the only sister 

Of the monarch ; him removed, thou alone 

Hast claim upon his royal inheritance. 

All is well ! But that same man may yet 

Defeat thy threatening schemes ere they have ripened. 

This day I met, returning from the prison, 

A wonder-doctor, who to me presented 

This vial, filled Avith new-invented drug. 

Three drops, he has explained would be sufficient 

When acting on the blood and brains, to madden 

The strongest constitution. This compound 

I'll mix with secret wine, with which I must 

At Dagon's altar give credence to priesthood, 

Ordaining her, as prince, officially. 

The ceremony me awaits; and to this deed 

I'll hence. Defiance shall defiance meet ! 

[Exit Flias. Music heard from within. 



SCENE THE SECOND. 

[Full inside view of Dagon's Temple, whose image, red- 
hot, closes the scene. Enter Procession in the follow- 
ing order : 

1. Horses draiving tJie handmill turned by Samson. 

2. Namilah pouring corn into the mill. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 71 

3. Warriors as Guards. 

4. Attending Priest, cup and veil hearer. 

5. Plias in royal robes. 

6. Attendants. 

7. Delilah with a hahe in her arms. 

8. Attendants of Women. 

9. Train of People. 

CHORUS. 

{^Singing until all arrive on the stage. 
Hail I hail ! hail ! our god disbands 
His enemies, and gives them in our hands. 

[ When all have arrived on the stage : 

PLIAS. 

In yonder court the mill be placed. There, Samson, 
Proceed — toil on 1 

DELILAH. 

And never rest until 
Our rites are finished. 

SAMSON. 

Ha ! I will not groan. 
Lead on, my boy — my breast and head be quiet. 
[Exeunt train with the mill, Samson andNamilah. The 

remaining Philistim form tivo rows on the stage. 

Delilah stands in the center front. On her right Plias ; 

on her left, Chief of the Warriors. 

PLIAS. 

My countrymen, and noble citizens, 
"Who here assemble to tliis festive scene 1 
Since yet without a priest our temple is. 
Shout forth whom ye think worthy of this ofifice. 

ALL. 

DelQah! DelUah! 



T2 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

CHIEF. 

She be the priestess of Dagon. 
Well merited an honor for the service 
She patriotically rendered to our country. 

DELILAH. 

Thanks, thanks, Philistim, for this peerless honor. 

PLIAS. 

"With tiiis, the sacred toga of the priesthood, 
Then, in the presence of our nation, I 
Enfold thee, dearest sister, now our priestess. 
\_Covers her with the toga ; then takes a goUetfrom an 

attendant, and mixes it quickly. '\ 
And of this consecrated wine I bid thee 
Drink, while we all exclaim. Triumph for Dagon! 

[Delilah drinks. 
ALL. 

Triumph for Dagon I 

PLIAS. 

Blessed be his name ^ 
He is a mighty god, who ever conquers. 



Blessed be his name, for he accepts 

As sacrifice the human flesh and blood. 

On the expiring life he looks with grace. 

Should we dispense with it, he uprears the storm, 

Lets loose the hurricanes from his throne of shells ; 

And foamingly calamities he thunders 

Upon the sons of clay. 

PLIAS.* [Aside. 

Dagon, I pray 
Thy raving wrath confuse her daring mind. 

[Delilah ascends the altar, and places the child in Dagon'' s 
arms ; then remains kneeling.] 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 1S 

SAMSON, [From within. 

Lord Sabaoth ! be blessed for evermore, 
That Thou no heathen hast created me 



Devoted to Dagon's holy bliss 

The flesh and blood of mankind is, 

If it ascends a sacrifice 

'Gainst thund'ring wrath 'tis calming spice. 

We therefore bring 

This child, and sing, 
Oh, roar no longer on the billows of the sea ; 
For be invoked ! our gift, let it accepted be. 
[ While the chorus sing, Delilah's gestures and actions 
show the madness, which develops itself by degrees. 
jShe throws the veil off; loosens and dishevels her hair. 
When the song ceases, she rushes forward, wildly 
laughing. All start back in terror.^ 

DELILAH, 

Hahaha ! hahaha ! My child ! — give back my child ! 
I am his motlier! "Who presumes to force me — 
No, no — I will not — can not sacrifice him. 
Night grows before mine eyes — my senses reel — 
For Heaven's sake — help ! help ! — save but my child. 
Quick ! I see no more like Samson I am blind. 
Oh Samson ! Samson ! Samson ! — 
Save but our babe, and all I may redeem 
I'll pluck my own eyes to restore thy sight. 
Come, only come, come, come — oh, save the child. 
Hear, hear ! it screams ; see, see ! it trembles, dies ! 
Must I despair? I feel my brain distracted 
By thousand tortures of remorse and grief 
I curse thee, Dagon ! for thou takest my child ! 
I curse thee, Plias, for thy scornful smile. 
On all, on all of ye — on land and nation 
My lips mad curse and condemnation fall. 
Ah ! proves it truth yet whosoever harms 
Heaven's chosen nation, Israel, must perish 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 14 

By Heavenly decrees. Oh 1 oh ! oh ! 
Thus have I tortured Samson — Samson 1 Samson 1 
\_Delilah falls and dies in great agony. All stand mute 
around her. After some pause — 



A female priest Dagon would accept not ; 
'Tis visibly revealed by Heaven's decree ! 
Guests, bear her body hence to be embalmed. 
We'll pay her homage in the tomb of kings. 
Our feast, however, must not be disturbed. 

[Delilah is home off by attending priests. 
Repair ye all now to the balcony 
Which forms the temple's roof, designed 
To grant us room. There celebrate the day. 

[Exeunt all during the song. 

CHORUS. 

Hail I hail ! hail ! to Dagon, hail 1 
For life and death are his — hail ! hail 1 

[Enter Samson, led by Ndmilah. 

SAMSON. 

A little onward lead thy guiding hand ; 
A little onward, boy, to yonder pillars. 
The two supporting columns of the temple. 

[She guides him there. 
This place, son, once was very dear to me ; 
I listened here to sweet affectionate words 
Of my first love. That maiden seemed so good, 
So lovely — still betrayed me treacherously. 
Namilah ! had constant been thy heart to me, 
Not blind and vengeance-craving I'd stand here. 

NAMILAH. 

Dost thou remember her, and wilt not pardon ? 

SAMSON. 

She was a woman in her faults and graces ; 



I 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 



15 



That closes her account. I pardon all ! 
[Namilah speaks the next in suppressed and sobbing 
voice.'\ 

NAMILAH. 

Here are those columns ; leave thy arms to me, 
That I direct both pillars to embrace. 
[She kisses his hands before guiding them to the pillars.'] 
SAMSON. 

My fate deserves those tears of pity, son : 
For notliing has my heart yet owned in love, 
That would not turn unto deceit and treason. 
Revenge alone proved faithful true to me. 
But, nay — I must except thee from this rule ; 
Thou hast consoled me with unparalleled 
Devotion of a friend and soothed my sufferings. 
Heaven must reward such deeds of charity. 
That to repay, is not in human power. 
One favor yet I'll ask of thee — leave, leave me 
Few moments to myself I'd pray alone 
And unobserved to Heaven. 

NAMILAH, 

I will obey. [Pretends to go off. 

His vengeance ripeneth ; death will reap rich Iiarvest 

[J. moment' s pause ; Samson lost in reflection. 

SAMSON. 

It is an awful moment when a man, 

Whose heart and brains throb passionately, 

Is forced to solve the question whether 

Life or death deserve, and shall receive a preference. 

Existence ignominious and hateful, 

A life that hath nor hope, nor love nor future, 

But lingers on its hours in deep remorse 

For former degradation ! No ; that's death 

Administered in regulated doses. 

There is no choice if, on the other hand, 

Appears a chance to leave this life 



76 SAMSON AND DELILAH. 

Most gloriously, with an heroic deed ; 
With one bold dash, that goads, perhaps, 
A fettered nation to its longed-for freedom, 
And crushes down a tyrant's usurped power 
Death is no death ; self-violence no crime, 
"When fallen grandeur re-erects sublime. 

[Saynson kneels. 
My God I remember me I pray. All-just, 
Here I beseech Thee, strengthen me this once ; 
Oh grant tliat I may be once more avenged 
On the Philistim for sake of my lost eyes. 

[Bises^ tears the inllars and shouts : — 
With the Philistim will I die this day — 
The idol fall I 

SAMSON AND NAMILAH. 

Triumph for Sabaoth ! 
TABLEAU FINALE: 

Music tremulando. The pillars break and bury Samson 
and Namilah. Numbers of Philistim are discovered 
slain. The xohole of the stage is covered with the 
ruins. Strong {red fire) flames burst forth. Upon 
the crushed altar appears the Angel, who shouts : 

ANGEL. 

Triumph for Sabaoth 1 
[The curtaiii slowly falls.'] 

THE END. 



1 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. YY 



OPINIONS OF THE PBESS. 

The new Tragedj' of Dagon and Zebaoth (the divinities of 
Philistia and Israel), was performed last evening before a full 
house The scene is laid in Judea, in the time of Samson, 
when the people of Israel were subject to the Philistines ; and 
the Giant Judge is the hero. The interest turns, not so much 
on the personal fiite of Samson and his adventures in love and 
war, as in the nationality ami religion of the Hebrews. In- 
deed, the play is full of religious fervor; it shows the ancient 
Jew as faithful to his God, as depicted in the Old Testament. 
The author is a Mr. Bien, formerly the officiating minister in 
one of the congregations of this city. His production has 
proved decidedly successful. — Alta California, Feb. 12, 1859. 

The Biblical narrative of Samson's adventures amongst the 
Philistines seems at first sight to offer little material for an effect- 
ive tragedy, but Mr. Bien has made a plot full of action and 
interest, and the numerous powerful scenes are set off in pointed 
and elegant language. Both piece and performance were highly 
successful. — Alta California, Jan. 6, 1860. 

Dr. H. Bien's play of Dagon and Zebaoth — an adaptation of 
the Bible story of Samson and Delilah — is a meritorious piec^. 
The language is good, and some passages beautiful : and so 
finely is it put upon the stage, that even a person who does 
not understand the language will be interested in the acting. 
—Evening Bulletin, Feb. 17, 1859. 

The New Tragedt — A new Tragedy. Dagon and Zebaoth, writ- 
ten by Dr. Bien, of this city, has been plaj ed to crowded houses. 
It treats the well known Biblical story of Samson, the Giant 
Judge, in a somewhat modernizing manner, without, however, 
deviating too far from the supposed character of the age and 
the country in which the events took place. The plot is well 
laid, the dramatic interest is skillfully kept up from beginning 
to end, and there occur frequent passages of really pot-tic beau- 
ty. As a home production, and a piece of genuine merit, this 
new tragedy deserves the highest acknowledgment, and the 
gifted author every encouragement on the part of the public. — 
Home Journal, Feb. 17, 1859. 

Dr. II. Bien is the author of the Romantic Scriptural Tragedy 
of Dagon and Zebaoth, founded on the history of Samson and 
Delilah, which was produced with great success at the Union 
Theatie on Sunday evening last. It is a work of considerable 
merit, and well put on the stage. — Call, Feb. 12. 

J8®* We have felt much interest in the literary efforts of the 
Kev, Dr. Bien, and have been gratified with the perusal of hia 
manuscripts.. More than a year ago, the tragedy of Dagon and 
Zebaoth was produced in this city. This was the first attempt 



78 SAMSON ANt) DELILAH. 

of the author in play-writing. The representation received 
high encomiums from nearly all the San Francisco press. We 
were ihen satisfied that the tragedy of Dagon and Zebaolh pes- 
Bessed sufficient merit to insure success if well translated and 
properly placed upon the American stage. Dr. Bien was urged 
to attempt the rendition into our language, and has undeita- 
ken that peculiarly difficult task, 'lie has accomplished the 
work in a most creditable manuer. Encouraged by the approba- 
tion of his friends, Dr. Bien has also written a play in Eng- 
lish, which bears the name " George Washington ; or. The 
Trials of a Hero" — Historic Drama in Four Acts, and a Pre- 
lude. We hiipe that the labors of Dr. Bien will receive fair ap- 
preciation from a lib ral public. The English version of the 
original German play is entitled 

"Dagon AND ^ABAOTH ; or, The Hebrew Hercules." Bibli- 
co-Romantic Tragedy, in Five Acts, and a Prelude. Few sub- 
jects present more difficulties for a modern tragedy than the 
history of Samson and his supernatural deeds, as recorded in 
sacred writ. Neither Milton's Sumsou Agonistes, nor Voltaire's 
opera upon the same theme, have obtained success upon the 
stage. The play before us, as it appeared in the original lan- 
guage, proved its power to attract and please; and as it is 
translated with very considerable skill by the author, is scarce- 
ly less likely to win approbation from an American audience. 
In Dagon and Sabaoth the unities are carefully preserved, the 
action is continuous and exciting, the plot regularly construct- 
ed, and abounding in interesting situations and thrilling inci- 
dents. 

The piece opens with a prelude, in which Samson is her- 
alded by an angel. 

In the first act he espouses Namilah, the daughter of the 
Philistine high priest, lie silences the objections of his ven- 
erable parents by pointing out his mission to convert the Gen- 
tiles, not with the sword but with woi'ks and words of peace. 

Namilah, a character wholly created by the author, is all 
woman— loving, faithful, unselfishly devoted to Samson, in 
days of joy and sorrow, even unto death. Yet she is the blind 
instrument in the hands of Samson's hypocritical fpes. Her 
father instigates her by force of filial duty to wrest from Sam- 
son the solution of the famous riddle given by him. She be- 
trays it to her countrymen, and is then forcibly taken from 
Samson and given to Plias, the prince of the land. Here com- 
mences Samson's trials. Once betrayed, all womankind is to 
him but fickle and treacherous, fit only to be loved with sen- 
sual passion. This is developed in the end of the second act. 
Samson falls into the hands of the cunning Delilah, a charac- 
ter equal to that of Samson in her own way. PhilLstia is her 
love, revenge on Samson her purpose ; and all the artifices of a 
fascinating woman are her means to beguile him. The scene 
in the third act, where she wrests from the Nazarite the secret 
of his hidden strength — his yielding and betrayal — are all forci- 
bly depicted by the author. 



SAMSON AND DELILAH. 79 

In the fourth act we find Samson blind, and in prison. Hia 
inconsolable mother and his piona father arrive. Samaon ac- 
cuses himself and is admonished by his father. 

The Philistine prince now cornea to lead the blind man to the 
heathen temple. In vain pleads maternal affection ; in vain his 
father offers himself and all his wealth for the redemption of 
the unfortunate captive. He shall yet serve for sport to the 
conquerors. Then again breaks forth hia Heavenly-gifted 
strength. » 

Namilah counsels for peace. Duringherentreaties,Delilah, furi- 
ous, arrives. She informs Samson that she has borne him a son, 
and that ahe has destinad his offspring for a sacrifice to the fish- 
god Dagon. Unmoved by Samson, who pleads most passion- 
ately to spare the guiltless child, she rushes from him, assert- 
ing her will as more potent than the strength of the giant. 
The catastrophe of the tragedy is coi. plete and satisfactory. 
Delilah's ambition, which longs even for the crown of her royal 
brother, is defeated by him. He poisons her previous to the 
sacrifice of her son, and she dies a maniac. Dagon now must 
be deprived of all glory won in this deadly f^ud. Samson 
seizes and tears down the two pillars and temple — idols and 
foes are all destroyed. From the ruins is heard the shout of 
tb3 dying hero, in unison with the voice of the re-appearing 
angel, " Triumph for Sabaoth." — Golden Era, May 6th, 1860. 

A California Tragedy. — Dr. Bien, a talented and learned 
minister, has attempted the difficult literary feat of composing 
a tragedy from the history of Samsou. This being the first 
successful attempt in California to produce an original tragedy, 
and as everything pertaining to the literature of the State pos- 
sesses much interest, we herewith present a plot of the piece.* 
Throughout the piece the unities are well observed, and the 
constructive skill of the author finely manifested. — Evening 
Telegram, May 12, I860. 



For plot see above extract from Golden Era. 



SPECIAL NOTICE. 



i8®* Proprietors and Managers of Theatres de- 
sirous to perform this Tragedy, will previously 
apply to the Author. 




